APG Senior Commander Honored in Washington

The senior commander at Aberdeen Proving Ground was named Military Leader of the Year Thursday at an event in Washington.

Maj. Gen. Robert S. Ferrell received the award from the Association of Defense Communities in a breakfast event on Capiton Hill. Ferrell was one of 10 receipients from across the country, according to an APG release.

The organization represents communities, states and regions with significant military presence.

"We couldn't ask for better partners and teammates than we have in the region that surrounds Aberdeen Proving Ground,” Ferrell said at the ceremony, according to the release. “It is a truly tremendous community and we rely on them to help us accomplish our APG mission. I am incredibly humbled to receive this award and it really reflects the hard work and support of our APG team members and the many dedicated community leaders who, working together, make APG such a special place to live and to serve."

Ferrell was nominated by County Executive David Craig.

“He has led a number of initiatives to foster and continue to build the relationships between the installation and the local communities," Craig said in the release. "By focusing on teamwork and transparency, the boundary between installation functions and community stakeholders’ interests disappears so that both sides can see the issues as clearly as possible.”

Craig also cited Ferrell's advocacy of science, technology, engineering and math education.