Delaware National
GuardDeployed, but not forgotten
153rd military families recognized
By O.C. Deborah Welch, Information Specialist
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Sen. Joseph Biden personally hands out the Blue Star Service Banners to nearly 150 Delaware residents on Sunday, September 29. He funded the additional costs for banners in order to recognize these relatives of 153rd Military Police Company soldiers deployed in the Middle East. |
When Amercian Legion Post 25 president, Corbit Goff, suggested to his long-time friend, Sen. Joseph Biden, that each of the soldiers recently deployed to Saudi Arabia deserved a Blue Star Banner for their service, Biden could not have agreed more.
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Two participants prepare to hold the American Flag so that the audience can pledge its allegiance. Nicole Stowell, who organized the Family Day event, stands behind the flag, preparing her notes. |
"It's not enough to say you're appreciated," said Biden in his address to relatives of the 153rd Military Police. By funding the purchase of the traditional Blue Star Banners, Biden said he was offering a respectful and sincere gesture. "We care."
The banners were offered on behalf of citizens, current military members and members of the American Legion, Biden said, to spouses who are holding down the fort here at home.
"Spouses are real warriors," said Biden. He emphasized the role of families and how important it is to protect and guard our children.
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Mr. Corbit Goff, President, American Legion Middletown Post 25, addresses the audience and guests. His wife, Sharon Goff, looks on as he speaks. |
"If a loved one goes into battle, the banner goes to the family," Goff said. On September 8, 2001, just three days before the fateful attacks, the American Legion had revived the banner to commemorate men and women who are deployed in the future.
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Sen. Joseph Biden made one formal presentation of the Blue Star Service Banner to Janet New, wife of Sgt. David New. Mrs. New's initial invitation to Corbit Goff started the process going several weeks ago during the September 11 commemoration. |
"I invited Mr. Goff to a meeting and everything just snowballed from there," said New. "Everything fell into place and I was even present when Sen. Biden said he would pay the difference in the cost of the flags."
Goff surprised Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, Adjutant
General, Delaware National Guard and Brig. Gen. Ronald Stewart,
Assistant Adjutant General, Delaware Army National Guard with
a large-sized Blue Star Banner. The banner was accecpted on behalf of the
153rd and will fly proudly at their Delaware City Readiness Center.
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The Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Frank D. Vavala and Assistant Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Ronald B. Stewart accepted the large Blue Star Banner on behalf of the soldiers of the 153rd. |
The American Legion has also offered additional support to relatives of the 153rd, such as telephone calling cards and some home repair services.
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Several other members of American Legion Middletown Post 25 attended the ceremony to recognize the 153rd's family members. |
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Families and guests enjoyed the plentiful food offered during the potluck portion of the ceremony. |
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Families enjoy the conversations and delectable dishes during the potluck. |
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One of the youngest relatives finds a creative way to entertain herself during the ceremony. |
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Maj. Gen. Frank D. Vavala, Adjutant General, Delaware National Guard, addresses the families during the ceremony. |
