State Representative Joanne E. McClinton welcomed well over one hundred veterans and proud family members at the 3rd Annual Veterans’ Expo at Myers Recreation Center on Kingsessing Avenue and 58th Street. The gala event took place over the noon hour on Saturday, November 8.
In her introductory remarks, Rep. McClinton thanked the former and current members of the military for their commitment and selfless service to the United States of America. “It is truly an honor for me to acknowledge distinguished members of our community like yourselves and in a similar vein for me to serve our neighbors in the 191st Legislative District!”
Starting off the event and anticipating national Veterans’ Day on the following Monday was an impressive trooping of the colors by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 7th District Color Guard and the heartfelt singing of our National Anthem. For all those present It was an emotional and inspiring moment to sing side by side with comrades and loved ones.
Making the event helpful as well as enjoyable and memorable was the presence of organizations providing information and resources of interest to the veterans and families. Arrayed at tables around the Myers gym, were representatives of AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons), the offices of US Congresswoman Scanlon’s and State Senator Anthony Williams, the Sayre Health Center, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, Veterans Multi-Services Center, Health Partners Plans, and Penn Dental.
Among those singled out by Rep. McClinton for their exemplary contributions in the defense of our country were retired Major Myra Field whose U.S. Army career stretched from 1985 to 2006. The listing of Maj. Field’s awards was very moving.
Other veterans honored included Edgar Barrett, Emma Crumety, Emmanuel W. Day, Janet Everett, Ron Francis, Robert Frazier, Leo Gadson, Louis Gilchrist, Tony G. Gilliam, Dana Gregory, Michael Hills, Vanessa Jenkins, Siddiq Kamara, James Kirkland, Rodney Little, Minnetta Pauline Metz, Naomi Morris, Shawn Murrell, Hilderbrand Pelzer, James Taylor, Matthew Thomas, and Ash Williams.
Rep. McClinton, who is the chair of the Democratic Caucus in Harrisburg, is active in trying to pass common-sense gun ownership legislation and prison probation and sentencing reform. She especially thanked two organizations which provided special support for the Expo – AmeriHealth Caritas (www.amerihealthcaritas.com) and Human Marketpoint, Inc (866-355-5861).
Students from Mastery High School donned white aprons and waited on tables on the foodservice line. Under the guidance of teacher Michaella Pierce were Bteyah Reddick, Aicha Sangaré, Aicha Forfana, Dorian Douglas, Angel Suah, Marlina Voker, Quanel Moore, Gashawn Moody, Quamyre Blue, Ashante Amos, King Redfearn, Tajmir Brickley, Octavia Cooper, Atia Cooper and Quamaja Kearney.
The delicious luncheon was provided by K&R Catering which can be reached at 215-837-8751 or catering4love@gmail.com
Information for this article was graciously provided by Hope Foy of Rep. McClinton’s office.
