For U.S. Navy-Veteran Karl Turban, the Howard County Veterans and Military Families Monument holds deep meaning because it recognizes his military service in the place he calls home. A resident of Columbia, Maryland, Karl spent 20 years in the Navy, including two three-year tours providing direct support to submarines.

“I contributed to the monument from my American Legion Post in Ellicott City,” Karl said. “This means a lot to me and brings my service full circle to a place that means the most to me.”

Karl continued to serve his country with the National Security Agency at Fort Meade as senior chief cryptologic technician before retiring.