On July 22, 2025, The Maryland Gold Star Mothers were invited were invited to attend the 2025 Leadership Symposium at The Army Navy Country Club by David Vardeman, who is a US Navy Veteran, Capital Bank SVP, and Head of Not-For-Profit and Global Business Development.
The purpose of the symposium was to discuss Perseverance Overcoming Life’s Challenges to Rediscover One’s North Star using a fireside chat format. The Moderator was Colonel Arnulfo Martinez USA (Retired), The panelists were Commander Everett Alvarez USN(Ret) and PFC Jessica Lynch USA (Retired). The panelists shared about their experience with perseverance before their military time, during their captivity and after returning to their families and civilian life. Janice Chance, Stephanie White, Donna Robinson, and Theresa Karlson represented the Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter. Mr. Earl Ruff, Jr, Marine Corps League, Commandant Baltimore Detachment also attended the event.
