The Wells McComas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2678 in Edgemere presented Frank Harris, 94, with a clock plaque to recognize and honor his contributions to the Wells McComas VFW at its April meeting following the post election.
In November of 2023, the Wells McComas VFW was presented the military & veterans service award at a banquet by the Greater Dundalk Chamber of Commerce for its service to the community.
The Wells McComas officers submitted Mr. Harris’ s name as its honoree. However, the Chamber felt that everyone in the various community organizations were heroes and decided to recognize and honor all the members of the respective organizations, not just one individual in each organization.
The Wells McComas VFW officers decided to honor Mr. Harris in a special way for his many contributions to the VFW. Recently, he was presented with his VFW 65th anniversary pin.
Mr. Harris has a unique military and veteran history. Originally, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After his obligation ended with the Navy, he returned home and went to work at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Sparrows Point.
In 1952, he was drafted in the United States Army to serve in Korea in the 3rd Infantry Division. He got married when he came home on leave. When asked by VFW 14 district commander if Korea was as cold as shown on the television show MASH, Mr. Harris said yes, “It was very cold like Colorado.”
After Korea, Frank came home and returned to work at Bethlehem Steel as a sheer operator in the Pickler Department where he retired after 42 years.
In 1955 he joined the Wells McComas VFW at the original post home which is now the Edgemere Senior Center.
He became active in the VFW, became a life member and served as the canteen chairman.
He rose through the ranks or chairs and eventually became post commander in 1995. Under his leadership as post commander, the Baltimore Christian Academy was closed and up for sale. The Wells McComas VFW decided to purchase the former school as its current post home.
Frank’s patriotism and military service had a profound impact on his children. His son, Frank, Jr., served 32 years in the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard at Warfield Air Base in Middle River and finished his career as a master sergeant.
His daughter, Nancy, enlisted in the United States Army and like her father served in a second branch of the Armed Forces in the United States Air Force. Nancy served 27 years in the 135th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard at Warfield Air Base and finished her career as a senior master sergeant.
Like her father, Nancy is a life member of the Wells McComas VFW and served as the post adjutant and District 14 surgeon.
Frank was honored and humbled with receiving this award. He said that God truly blessed him with a good life and a good family.
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