Ruppersberger Honors Five Volunteers For Their Dedicated Service to Maryland Veterans

(Timonium, MD) - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md) honored five volunteers from Parkville, Edgemere, Bel Air, and Randallstown for their dedicated service to Maryland Veterans.  Congressman Ruppersberger awarded Charles Betz, Mary Barcikowski, Susan Kern, Barbara Swann, and Vanessa Scott the “2009 Veterans’ Service Award” for the Maryland 2nd Congressional District. 

Charles Betz, a Parkville resident, visits the Baltimore Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Facility in Loch Raven and provides entertainment for Veterans. Mr. Betz and his wife arrange Bingo games and sing-a-longs on the piano for residents at the facility.  Mr. Betz also buys homemade pillows to provide comfort for cancer patients.

“I commend Charles Betz for bringing joy and happiness to the lives of the men and women who served our country.  Mr. Betz and his wife go above and beyond the call of duty to entertain and comfort Maryland veterans and make a difference in their lives,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

In addition to working as the Business Manager of Public and Community Relations for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Maryland and making sure Vets have the support they need, Ms. Barcikowski, an Edgemere resident, serves as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Baltimore Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Facility at Perry Point.  Ms. Barcikowski and her entire family get involved to make the patients feel more like people and less like numbers.

“Mary Barcikowski is a dedicated volunteer for Maryland Veterans in both her professional and personal life.  She serves Veterans not only in her professional role, but also uses her spare time to volunteer. Ms. Barcikowski adds a personal touch that Veterans really appreciate,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

After putting in a full day as the Program Manager for Veterans’ facilities around Maryland, Susan Kern, a Bel Air resident, puts in extra hours to volunteer for Veterans and considers them part of her family.  Ms. Kern extended the hours that volunteers can receive their identification cards and take their certification tests so they, too, can serve those who served their country.    

“Susan Kern works tirelessly to help Maryland Veterans.  Ms. Kern is dedicated to improving the lives of military personnel through her professional and personal work to ensure Veterans receive the services they deserve,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

For over 15 years and for countless hours, Vanessa Scott, an Edgemere resident, has been volunteering for Veterans at both Fort Howard and the Baltimore Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Facility at Loch Raven. She helps Veterans who would otherwise stay in their rooms play Bingo and enjoy other social activities.

“Vanessa Scott dedicates her time and talents to improving the quality of life for Maryland Veterans. She brings happiness and joy into the lives of our military personnel.  Ms. Scott truly makes a difference in the lives of those she helps,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

Barbara Swann, a Randallstown resident, is the Coordinator of Volunteer Services at the Baltimore Rehabilitation and Continuing Care Facility. She works to recruit other volunteers that she is confident will provide Veterans with proper medical care. Ms. Swann makes sure volunteers receive the appropriate training and medical exams.

“Barbara Swann fulfills the important role of ensuring volunteers have the proper training they need to help our Veterans. Ms. Swann is dedicated to serving our nation’s heroes and I am grateful to her for her hard work,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).  

All five recipients were honored at a special ceremony at Congressman Ruppersberger’s District Office in Timonium, Maryland.  They were selected by the Veterans Advisory Group, an organization founded by Congressman Ruppersberger in 2003. The volunteers were selected for their outstanding dedication to serving the needs of Veterans within their communities.

Please feel free to use the attached photograph in your publication.  Individual photographs of each volunteer with the Congressman are also available upon request. 

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