With that title in mind, Veterans Day is every day, deciding to run for County Commissioner in Carroll County’s District 5 became a relatively easy decision as a soldier’s culture and values are built to serve the community. Since enlisting in the Army in 1983 we have gone through many different slogans to represent our Service; however, the latest one, Soldiers for Life, resonates the most. Being a soldier for life to me means continuing to serve regardless if the uniform is still being worn or not.
Serving in our Army ranks was one of the greatest honors in my life, and I was blessed to serve and lead in uniform until 2014, and have not stopped serving the community to this day. Equally, I am blessed that Audrey and the kids have been by my side, and we as a family, stay committed to our community through school, social and church activities over the past ten years.
Since moving with the family here in 2007 and being embraced by our community of neighbors, friends, schools, church, and much more; it allowed me to have confidence while separated from the family during challenging times due to the military needs. Knowing that Audrey and the kids, Emily and Sam, were cared for in a friendly, safe, and secure community made those tough times a bit easier. From a specific experience, serving in Afghanistan from 2010-11, I take it one step further by saying that the family and soldiers serving receive their strength from the community that surrounds them. Since redeployment in 2011 I have had the honor to serve as the Garrison Commander at Fort Meade before retiring in 2014. Running the installation through dedication and teamwork resulted in the estimated 55,000 that lived and/or worked on Fort Meade did so in a healthy, safe, and secure environment. Bringing that focus and commitment to Carroll County, and more specifically to our friends and neighbors in District 5 just makes sense.
Serving as the District 5 County Commissioner is a great way to continue that service and to give back to our community. District 5 is unique as it includes Carroll County’s largest unincorporated area. We need to continue to pursue economic development, public safety, support for our schools and other area needs while protecting our great community. For some, “service” is a slogan, but for me and the family it has become embedded in our life and culture, tested in conflict, proven in successes and has become a permanent mission. It is about “Leading by Example” whether in uniform or through volunteer hours and mission trips, service is our way of life. In closing, Veterans Day is a time to recognize and thank those that continue to or have served to keep our nation safe and secure. I am a soldier for life, even though the uniform has been cleaned and pressed hanging in the closet, continuing to serve our community is the continuation of my mission.
Very Respectfully,
Ed Rothstein (COL, Ret.)
Friends of Ed Rothstein (COL, Ret.), Audrey Rothstein – Treasurer
