We Remember and Support Our Troops!

 County Council Adds Decorated Marine to Tribute Board

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In an ongoing effort to recognize Delaware County’s brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces, Delaware County Council honored a decorated Marine by placing his photograph on the Armed Services Tribute Board at a ceremony following the November 20 County Council meeting.

The service member added to the tribute board was Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) Michael C. Burke, a Ridley Township native who has served in the United States Marine Corps for 28 years.

Council welcomed the family and friends of MGySgt. Burke to the Government Center to post his photo on the Armed Services Tribute Board displayed in the lobby.

“As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to get comfortable and forget that brave men and women are risking their lives every day to keep us safe here at home. But we are all here today because we will not forget. And we will continue to support our troops until the day they are safely home,” said County Councilman David J. White. “May God bless and protect our troops as they do the hard work of freedom.”

Master Gunnery Sergeant Michael C. Burke, of Holmes, is a graduate of Ridley High School. He spent two years at Drexel University and later earned his Bachelor of Science degree. MGySgt Burke spent two years with the Eddystone Police Department. He enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1986 and is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, where he lives with his wife, Brenda. Throughout his military career, he has received numerous medals, stars and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, a Navy Achievement Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon, a Kuwaiti Liberation Medal and many more. Sgt. Burke served during several conflicts including Operation Desert Storm. He has been deployed to Iraq and Bosnia. Family members attending the Tribute Board ceremony were his mother Alice Burke, sisters Patty Burke of Prospect Park and Cindy Wood of Holmes, and aunts Virginia Roberts and Jackie Simmonds.

The Armed Services Tribute Board recognizes Delaware County’s courageous men and women who are actively serving in the military. It offers an opportunity for residents and County employees to not only recognize members of the military, but to write to them to show support.

Delaware County residents who have family members actively serving in the military are invited to submit a 4 x 6 color photograph of the individual, along with the soldier’s name, town of residency and their official military address to Public Relations, Room 226A, Delaware County Government Center, 201 W. Front St., Media, PA 19063. Photos and information can be sent via e-mail to the Public Relations Assistant, Kelsey Lomas at lomask@co.delaware.pa.us.