News

November 6

Honoring those who have served

State Rep. Karen Boback, R-Harveys Lake, sponsors annual program at Misericordia University.

STEVEN FONDO Times Leader Correspondent

DALLAS TWP. – A lone bagpipe heralded the opening of the Veterans Appreciation Event and Expo on Saturday at Misericordia University’s Lemmond Theater.

The annual event is sponsored by state Rep. Karen Boback as part of an ongoing veterans outreach program in her district.

“Every year I look forward to honoring the men and women who served our nation with courage and distinction,” Boback said. “Veterans are a driving force behind my legislative activities and are a true inspiration to me.”

Boback, R-Harveys Lake, said she has worked with other officials on state and federal levels to provide support for local veterans. Through her collaborative efforts, the Department of Veterans Affairs mobile veterans center makes a twice-monthly stop in Tunkhannock as well as a monthly visit to Dallas.

The all-day program featured a presentation by the Wilkes University ROTC Color Guard and a number of local veterans were honored for their distinguished service at a pinning ceremony. Informational booths sponsored by such groups as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Luzerne County Department of Veterans and PA Career Link lined the hallways of Misericordia’s Walsh Hall.

A keynote address was delivered by Sgt. First Class Robert J. Lamanski, recruiter for the 109th Field Artillery, Pennsylvania Army National Guard in Wilkes-Barre.

“Veterans Day is a time of remembrance for those of us who have served,” said Lamanski. “No matter what branch of service, this is a day of honor and remembrance.”

Lamanski said his job as a recruiter has been made markedly easier with the advent of 9/11, the current state of the economy and the escalating cost of a college education.

“People come to me knowing full well that they’re going to deploy,” said Lamanski.

“We offer them $50,000 toward education and a marketable skill-set.”

Boback thanked the many organizations that helped make Saturday’s event a success.

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