Care Packages Being Sent To Delco Residents Serving In Military

Delaware County Council and county employees will once again spread cheer to Delaware County natives who are serving in the military either overseas, stationed on base in the United States, or recuperating in a veteran’s hospital.

For the past nine years, County Council and the department of Public Relations, which oversees the Armed Services Tribute Board, have collected and mailed hundreds of holiday cards and gifts as part of the Armed Services Tribute initiative, according to the county

“During the holidays, it’s important to remember the brave men and women of the armed services who are fighting for our freedom at home and overseas. With tensions overseas and random acts of terrorism in the news, we are all painfully aware of how precious our freedom is,” Councilman Mike Culp said in a statement.

This year, County Council is partnering with the AMVETS Post 118 in Morton to mail care packages to our troops serving on base overseas or here in the United States, according to the county. Every month since 2006, Harry Mirra and his fellow veterans have been sending care packages to troops.

Mirra, the past department commander of the AMVETS Post and current chairman of the Care Packages initiative, said he has the support of several organizations including Wawa, the local senior center, school groups and other veterans groups. Mirra was joined at the Council meeting by Charles Dougherty, commander, AMVEST Post 118, Jeff Elliot, past post commander, and Ginny Valonis.

“We are grateful to Harry and his post for partnering with us to send care packages to our Delaware County men and women,” Culp said.

“New this year, Council is providing greetings and gifts for the nearly 100 veterans living at Fair Acres, our skilled care facility in Middletown. We are partnering with the Delco News Network to provide copies of the 2016-2017 Veteran’s Book to each of the veterans at Fair Acres along with a greeting from County Council,” Culp said. "We are really pleased to be able to partner with these organizations to make the holidays a bit brighter for our troops and veterans."

Culp reminded people to stop by the Armed Services Tribute Board where we honor active duty troops.

Wayne native and Radnor graduate Galen Fisher, who is a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade, recently was added to the board.

Delaware County residents who have family members actively serving in the military are invited to submit a 4-by-6 inch color photograph of the individual, along with the soldier’s name, town of residency and their official military address to The Public Relations Department, Room 226A, Delaware County Government Center, 201 W. Front St., Media, PA 19063.

Photos and information can also be sent via e-mail to Katherine Morrone at morronek@co.delaware.pa.us.

Pictured above from left are, Ginny Valonis, AMVETs Post Commander Charles Dougherty, Councilman Mike Culp, AMVETs chair of the care package program Harry Mirra, and past post commander Jeff Elliot. In back, from left are Council Chairman Mario J. Civera Jr., Vice Chair Colleen Morrone and Councilman John McBlain.

Image via Delaware County