In 2011 the Bel Air Downtown Alliance introduced the Hometown Heroes Banner Program to honor men and women from the Harford County area who have served or are currently serving our country in a branch of the military or first responder. Each unique banner includes the soldier or first responder’s picture, branch of service and era of service. The banners are 24″ wide and 44″ tall and include sponsor’s name, prominently displayed at the bottom.
The current Hometown Hero Banners will be displayed during the service holidays through the fall of 2028. The Bel Air Downtown Alliance will make the banners available for pick up at the end 2028. All banners not picked up within 30 days will be discarded.
We encourage you to visit Downtown Bel Air and to see the Heroes banners proudly displayed.
Applications for the next Hometown Hero Banner Program are open! Click the button below to be directed to the application page.
Resources
2026 Hometown Hero Banner Honorees
“A native of Bel Air, Maryland, Willard Dale Barker, Sr. was a proud member of the Bel Air High School Class of 1961. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. Sadly, Dale passed away in 2003 at age 60 from complications related to asbestos exposure encountered during his service aboard the USS Hugh Purvis.” ~Bill Barker, Jr
“Robert Dwight Burris served 20 years in the United States Navy and is a veteran of the Korean War. He spent much of his Naval career working on nuclear submarines and retired from the Navy in 1974 in Connecticut. He then moved to Newark, DE with his wife Vivian and 4 young boys, working as a civilian with Delmarva Power & Light until he retired in 1990 at the age of 55. He passed away on September 15, 1995 at the age of 60.” ~Dave Burris
“Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt) Patrick Hackett started his military career in 1982 when he joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Bergstrom AFB in Austin, TX from February 1983 – October 1985, as an Airman First Class, before transferring to the Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG) in October 1985, where he continued his career within Vehicle Maintenance. He completed the Non-Commissioned Officer Preparatory Course in 1986, which got him promoted to Senior Airman, and was then promoted to Staff Sergeant in February 1987. He continued his training and completed the NCO Academy in March 1991 to be promoted to Master Sergeant in 1992, and was promoted to Senior Master Sergeant in March 2000. During this time, he designed the official 175th Logistics Readiness Squadron unit insignia and was selected as the 1997 Logistics Squadron and Logistics Group Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year and the Air National Guard Transportation Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. SMSgt Hackett was deployed to Bagram AFB, Afghanistan in January 2003 in support of the Global War on Terrorism during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was promoted to Chief Master Sergeant in May 2004. CMSgt Hackett was elected the Vice Chairman of the Chief Executive Council from October 2007 – August 2015, when he was elected as the Executive Administrator until May 2018 when he retired.” ~Rose Leftridge
“SPC Zachary Hopkins, US Army, embodies a relentless commitment to serving his community and country. From a young age, he dedicated himself as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Harford County, demonstrating courage and compassion in critical moments. Pursuing his passion for justice, Zachary majored in criminal justice and studied investigative forensics during college, driven by a desire to protect and serve his fellow citizens. Upon graduation, he chose to elevate his service by enlisting in the US Army, where he excelled in rigorous basic training and jump school, earning his prestigious ‘jump wings.’ He has distinguished himself as a skilled infantryman with the elite 82nd Airborne Division specializing in heavy weapons. SPC Hopkins’ unwavering dedication and exceptional skills make him a vital asset to his unit and a true guardian of freedom.” ~Melissa Scalchunes
“Sgt. Major Alvah H. Johnson, Jr. served in the Army from 1953 – 1983. During that time, he served in Vietnam twice and in Korea, Germany, France, and several places in the United States. He retired an Honorable soldier and was very proud to serve his country. He loves his family, loves to travel, and served his church community for many years.” ~Patti Quinn
“Daniel Muffoletto served in Italy with the elite 10th Mountain Division. He earned many medals, including 3 Bronze Stars. He lived to 95 years old, and was very humble about the amazing things he did in Italy.” ~Phyllis Ann Godwin
“We are so proud of our son, Lance Corporal Colton Romeo Reiss, currently serving in the Marine Corps stationed in Okinawa, Japan.” ~Barbara Reiss
“Corey knew he wanted to serve his country as soon as he graduated Perry Hall High School. Corey proudly served in the US Marine Corps and is currently a member of the American Legion Harford Post #39. Corey still lives by the motto ‘Not as Lean, Still as Mean, Always a Marine!’ Corey is especially proud of our son, Cole, who has decided to follow in his footsteps and serve his country as a Marine currently serving in Okinawa, Japan. Semper Fi.” Barbara Reiss
“My father-in-law, Jerry Reiss, can be best described as a character! He is a proud, American-flag-waving patriot of the first order. In a moment of weakness, his now wife, Emily, had a lapse in judgement and married Jerry over 25 years ago. Jerry & Emily host an amazing 4th of July celebration annually. Jerry has one son, Corey Reiss, a former Marine and one grandson, Colton Reiss, currently serving in the Marines. Jerry, Corey & Colton are all proud members of the American Legion, Bel Air, Post 39.” ~Barbara Reiss
“SPC E5, Robert Gerard Reiss, served in the US Army from March 1967 – February 1969 at the 5th General Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany. The Reiss family frequently raises a toast in Bobby’s honor, ‘To The Boy,’ a beloved husband, brother and uncle.” ~Barbara Reiss
“Our son Joey served 3 tours of duty – 2 in Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan. He graduated from Bel Air High School in 2005; married his HS sweetheart Cate; and has 2 beautiful children, Chloe and Owen. They now reside in Sharpsburg, Georgia, where Joey is still an active member of the ANG. He is set to retire from his military career in November 2026. We are so very proud of you Joey! Love, Mom, Mike, and younger brother Mikey.” ~Patricia Esposito
“Like many during the time in need, Harry left high school to proudly defend his country by joining the United States Navy. Harry honorably and courageously served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1946. Initially stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland, he quickly shipped out to cover the waters of Africa, England, France, and Normandy, where he was a coxswain aboard his ship USLST-72 before finally returning to the USA at the end of the war. He honored his country and family proudly up to his passing in 2024 at the age of 99.” ~Lonnie Wiskman
“Mr. Young’s enlistment was Nov. 1969 thru Sep. 1971. His ultimate rank was Specialist 5 and his job description was Mechanical Engineer Assistant. Basic training was at Ft. Knox, KY and then permanent assignment was APG, MD.” ~Dave Guzewich