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Delaware veterans meet at Legislative Hall for bipartisan event

From left, Veterans Commissioner Bill Farley; Dave Skocik, president, Delaware Veterans Coalition; retired Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala; and retired Lt. Gen. Bill Welser III, former wing commander at Dover AFB from 1992-94. Gen. Welser leads the AMC museum expansion project at Dover AFB to be funded with private money.

From left, Veterans Commissioner Bill Farley; Dave Skocik, president, Delaware Veterans Coalition; retired Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala; and retired Lt. Gen. Bill Welser III, former wing commander at Dover AFB from 1992-94. Gen. Welser leads the AMC museum expansion project at Dover AFB to be funded with private money.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Incarcerated veterans advocate Joe Walls with Sen. Dave Lawson.

Incarcerated veterans advocate Joe Walls with Sen. Dave Lawson.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Rep. Jeff Hilovsky pays tribute to veterans on the House floor and is applauded with calls for the appointment of a Secretary of Veteran Affairs.

Rep. Jeff Hilovsky pays tribute to veterans on the House floor and is applauded with calls for the appointment of a Secretary of Veteran Affairs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Jim Beattie, American Legion Post 28 Adjutant and 1st Vice Commander, received a standing ovation advocating for veterans and affirming the need for the appointment of a Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the governor's cabinet.

Jim Beattie, American Legion Post 28 Adjutant and 1st Vice Commander, received a standing ovation advocating for veterans and affirming the need for the appointment of a Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the governor's cabinet.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Veterans in the House gallery observe tributes.

Veterans in the House gallery observe tributes.

Vets in the Senate gallery salute during the pledge of allegiance during the opening ceremony.

Vets in the Senate gallery salute during the pledge of allegiance during the opening ceremony.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, left, and Sen. Dave Lawson welcome veterans to "We the Veterans Day," in the Senate conference room prior to the day's events.

Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, left, and Sen. Dave Lawson welcome veterans to "We the Veterans Day," in the Senate conference room prior to the day's events.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Veterans from across the state file into the Senate conference room in Legislative Hall on March 28

Veterans from across the state file into the Senate conference room in Legislative Hall on March 28

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Legislators from across the aisle join veterans and advocates for a photo on March 28 at Legislative Hall between tributes in both the House and Senate

Legislators from across the aisle join veterans and advocates for a photo on March 28 at Legislative Hall between tributes in both the House and Senate

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID SKOCIK

Posted Friday, April 26, 2024 6:49 pm

Daily State News

DOVER — Veterans from Lewes to Wilmington came together at Legislative Hall on March 28, for “We the Veterans Day.” The event, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., was proposed by Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, and supported by legislators across the aisle, including Sen. Dave Lawson R-Marydel, who invited fellow Vietnam veterans in recognition of the annual Vietnam Veterans Day, marking the 49th anniversary of American withdrawal from that nation.

The morning began with a tent on Legislative Mall offering coffee and sandwiches, funded by veterans organizations and businesses.

The intent was to encourage veterans statewide to join and socialize in common bond, “boots aligned in the same direction,” and advocate for issues affecting all generations of Delaware’s 70,000 veterans and their families.

About 150 veterans made the trip, some setting up appointments with their legislators. Meetings with leaders of veterans organizations across the state, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, National Council of Black Veterans, Purple Heart Veterans, and the Delaware National Guard, affirmed the need for the governor’s appointment of a Secretary of Veterans Affairs to consolidate the resources, talent, leadership, high tech skills and federal money veterans bring to Delaware.

“Our benefits are neither a gift, nor a handout….they are earned,” said Rep. Hilovsky.

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