On March 16, 2007, Louis “Al” Brandt passed away after a prolonged
illness. Al was the founder of the One Hundred Club of Glen Burnie. Al
was introduced to the One Hundred Club in
Chicago
and always felt a chapter should be established in
Anne
Arundel
County
. After recovering from a serious, near-fatal illness in 1998, Al truly
felt that one reason God spared him was that his work on Earth wasn’t
complete – and to him, that meant bringing the One Hundred Club to
Anne
Arundel
County
. Al dedicated a lot of time and passion in gaining supporters for the
One Hundred Club. He chaired the organization meetings to get the club
on its and feet and ready to prosper. Al stayed active in the One
Hundred Club as much as his health would allow and held the title of
Honorary Chairman until his death. The One Hundred Club membership has
honored his memory and leadership by establishing the Louis Al Brandt
Unsung Hero award, presented to an emergency service provider acting in
exemplary fashion while on duty. The One Hundred Club continues to carry
on Al’s legacy of helping others when they are in need. The following
provides some biographical information about our founder – Louis Al
Brandt.
For more than four decades, Al has worked to
help the men and women who risk their lives for public safety. Devoted
husband of 47 years to Marilyn A. Brandt (nee Share); Beloved father of
Barry L. Brandt and his wife
Shari
; Loving brother of Doris Stephens, Wilbur L. Brandt, Jeremiah M. Brandt
Jr. and the late Adam S. Brandt; Cherished grandfather of Matthew Nolan
Brandt. Al lived in Hanover, Maryland for 38 years. Prior to that, he
was a resident of Glen Burnie. He served his country as a member of the
U.S. Army and received the Occupation Medal (
Germany
). After his honorable discharge, Al served in the U.S. Army Reserves
for many years. Al worked as an equipment operator for the Bureau of
Construction. He then became part owner of Brandt Brothers Shell Station
in
Ferndale
. He was the Truck Manager for Gladding Chevrolet, winning an award for
the most truck sales on the East coast. Al helped establish a Rolls
Royce dealership and later became a dealer for Lee Oldsmobile. He
started Brandt Travel, selling trailers and RV's. He later worked as a
postal clerk for the U.S. Government where he would eventually retire
from. Al also drove coach buses part-time as well. He was a member, and
five-time President, of the Kiwanis Club.
His membership spanned 52 years with perfect attendance! He was a
member of the Anne Arundel Alarmers Association (a local group serving
food and drink to emergency services personnel in the county for over 43
years), which he co-founded in 1958. He was also responsible for having
the "Glen Burnie Gateway Arch" built. In 2005, Al was inducted
into the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association Hall of
Fame.
