BALTIMORE — Maryland is working on protecting those who have served to protect us.
This 99-year-old World War II veteran was happy to get his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Colonel Orville Hughes got his over the weekend during a walk-in event, held at the Baltimore VA Medical Center.
His grandson Captain Ben Hughes is part of the national guard team that helped distribute them.
"So we're a military family, my dad also served in the army, I have brothers that served in the army. So we're excited that my grandpa today can get the vaccine and get back to his active life he's used to," Captain Ben Hughes said.
Also, 82-year-old identical twins, Paul and John Smallwood of Glen Burnie received their vaccination at the clinic.
Paul spent 6 years in the Air Force and John, 20 years in the Army.
“Getting the vaccine is important. We want to get back to normal," said John.
The Maryland National Guard vaccinated more than 1500 Maryland Veterans over the weekend, exceeding its goal of 800, despite having to close down early due to snow.
So far more than half a million Marylanders have been vaccinated.