NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTRAL, VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA PRESENT IRAQ-FLOWN FLAGS TO MAYORTwo flags flown over war-torn Iraq were presented to Mayor Stephen R. Reed today as a gesture of appreciation for the mayor’s longstanding support for our nation’s veterans. The flags were presented by representatives from the Veterans Resource Central(VRC) and the Vietnam Veterans of America(VVA). The U.S. “Stars and Stripes” flag was flown by the U.S. Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 over their headquarters in Al Anbar Province, at the Al Asad Airbase in Central Iraq. VRC members had the flag encased with an appreciation plaque affixed stating “In honor of your staunch and generous support of veterans and their families.” The flag was presented by Robert Holt, VRC Vice President, and Michael Frutsche, VRC Family Center volunteer. The Vietnam Veterans of America also presented the Mayor with one of their special flags, which was also flown over Iraq recently by the PA Army National Guard’s 28th Division in Ar-Ramadi. The Mayor has been a longtime supporter of our nation’s military veterans, and especially our Vietnam Veterans. City resident John Travers and veterans Mike McLaughlin presented the flag to the Mayor. The Mayor issued an Executive Order in the beginning of the 1990’s that Guard and Reserve personnel employed by the city receive their full salaries while on active duty, making up the difference between their regular take-home pay and that which they receive for their military service. The mayor also directed that all active-duty employees’ families continue to receive their full health benefits during deployments, thus easing the concerns and stresses of family members of active duty soldiers. The Mayor has also undertaken a wide array of initiatives and events to highlight and honor our veterans, including the popular Armed Forces Day on City Island, the efforts to garner Combat badges for helicopter “dust-off’ medics, the addition of a Veterans Day recognition during the annual Harrisburg Holiday Parade, a welcome home parade for the city-based troops who fought in the first Gulf War, a Medal of Honor recipient dinner, and more. “Steve Reed has set a standard of support for our servicemen and women that is very much appreciated,” said John Travers of the Vietnam Veterans of America. “He has done much to bolster support for our veterans, and his work on behalf of our active duty personnel is really without peer in the nation. He makes me proud to say I’m from Harrisburg, because soldiers all over the world have heard about him and know of his enduring contributions to our families, and our morale.” “We are honored to receive these flags, as they represent the very best our nation has to offer,” said Reed. “We consider these flags to be sacred items, as our many freedoms have come at a great price, with those who have served or are serving in our Armed Forces having paid most of that cost.” The Veterans Resource Central is a Harrisburg-based, non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide career counseling and job placement assistance to returning veterans. VRC also provides information, education and assistance to military families dealing with life issues at home. For information contact John Carrigan at (717) 796.6093, and learn more about helping our returning veterans by visiting www.veteransresourcecentral.org. |
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