#TeamTISTuesday: Honoring Navy Veteran and TIS Board Member, Jim Reed
This Veterans Day week, we’re thrilled to shine a light on a remarkable member of our TIS family: Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and dedicated TIS Board Member, Jim Reed! Jim and his wonderful wife, Cindy, have been longtime supporters of Talbot Interfaith Shelter, with Jim officially joining the TIS Board of Directors for 2024-2025 and beyond. Known for his strategic mindset, pragmatism, and a warm, infectious sense of humor, Jim is not only a pillar of our community but a deeply valued neighbor and friend.
Growing up in the DC area, Jim met Cindy at Wilkes College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where they were both studying to become teachers. However, life had other plans, and Jim jokes that his “diploma and draft letter arrived on the same day.” In 1970, after an August wedding to Cindy, Jim enlisted in the Navy, first completing Basic Training at Naval Station Great Lakes, before moving on to specialize in Avionics in Millington, TN. For those unfamiliar, Avionics, a blend of “aviation” and “electronics,” encompasses the electronic systems used in aircraft, with functions ranging from communications and navigation to performance and fuel management.
Jim’s military service saw him join a specialized team responsible for transporting high-ranking admirals worldwide. For four years, he traversed the globe in a Douglas DC-6, regularly refueling in Iceland and Guam and exploring cities like Rome, Brussels, and Taipei whenever possible. Though he humbly downplays his service, Jim’s military experience, particularly as a Vietnam War veteran, profoundly shaped his early adult years.
After his service, Jim and Cindy settled in Upper Marlboro before finally making a home on the Eastern Shore in 1982. Talbot County locals may be familiar with his work through his successful General Contracting business, Reed & Lambert. Though he and Cindy are now retired, Jim’s commitment to the Eastern Shore is evident through his continued community involvement, support, and volunteer efforts. TIS staff have often seen Jim take a moment to admire the fall colors with a sense of gratitude, and his bright smile and infectious optimism are always a welcome sight when he visits the shelter.
Today, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Jim Reed for his military service and his commitment to Team TIS. We’re incredibly fortunate to have you with us, Jim! Thank you for all you do for TIS and the greater Talbot community.
Sign up to become a volunteer like Jim HERE!
Learn how you can support TIS at upcoming Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month events HERE!
Follow TIS on Facebook HERE!
