These fine young Marines, Jackson W Nall (Hanover) and Austin C Bouchard (Gambrills) will go down in history for being the first to raise the Stars and Stripes at yesterday’s (05/15/2026, exactly noon) ribbon cutting of the long awaited opening of the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument at Millie Bailey Park at Columbia’s lakefront. Hundreds of Veterans and families attended the event and were treated to a complimentary buffet courtesy of Columbia’s Mission BBQ and a slice of cake from the Monument Foundation.

Department Commander Nikki S. Randolph and Columbia Post 300 Commander George E. Delaney were invited to sit in the front row to witness the event.

In recognition of their special service, Commander Delaney presented the Marines complimentary first year Membership in the American Legion.

Commander Delaney, second year winner of the Membership Gold Brigade award has changed his personal mission goal from Building the Legion of the future ONE Member at a time in 2025-26 to doubling it to TWO Members at a time in 2026-27.

We are Veterans serving Veterans, active military and reserves, families left behind, and our community.

As servant leaders, we listen first with empathy and humility, lift others around us restoring hope, and leading by example with purpose. This is how we strengthen our Post, Serve our Members, and Honor our Mission.

One Team…..

One Dream….

Family Strong!
(Department Commander Nikki’s motto)

George Delaney
Commander
Columbia Post 300,
Assistant Department Photographer and Field Reporter,
Department of Maryland Executive Committee