UNITED STATES AIR FORCE (retired) COLONEL DAVE HALL SPEAKS AT FLAG CEREMONY
Flag Pole Dedication and Flag Raising Ceremony held at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
(Williamsport, PA – November 12, 2018) – The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank hosted a Flag Pole Dedication and Flag Raising Ceremony on November 8, 2018 in conjunction with Veterans Day. The event was held at the Food Bank’s Williamsport Healthy Food Hub (3301 Wahoo Drive).
The event honored local active and veteran military personnel and featured the Korean War Honor Guard for the flag presentation and guest speaker, retired United States Air Force Colonel Dave Hall. Also, in attendance were many local veterans and active military personnel, Lycoming County Commissioners, as well as students from McCall Middle School and Williamsport Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol.
“We are honored to welcome Colonel Dave Hall to speak at our ceremony today as we raise our flag for the very first time at our Williamsport Healthy Food Hub. His immense service to our country inspires us in our work to help our veterans that have given so much but find themselves struggling now,” said Joe Arthur, Executive Director.
Colonel Hall talked about the sacrifices of veterans, who brought this day to us, as well other everyday heroes from policeman and fireman, to teachers and the men and woman of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, including not only staff but also volunteers and partner agencies, who help feed more than 140,000 neighbors in need each month across the 27 counties in Pennsylvania.
“As veterans, we still have a duty to this country that did not change with our discharge, separation or retirement. Those of us who served must not judge too harshly the generations that follow, and we must continue to recognize them for their greatness,” said Colonel Hall. “We must become mentors and teachers. We must explain our history; talk about our experiences; and share our hopes, our dreams, and our fears. We must teach our values so those who follow may better understand their own, and we must recognize that they too are a national treasure.”
Within the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s 27 county service territory, 26% of households in central Pennsylvania receiving food assistance have at least one member that has served or is serving in the military. This startling statistic inspired the creation of MilitaryShare, a Fresh Express Program of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank designed to provide fresh, nutritious foods for military families. The Food Bank aims to be a leading provider of services that improve the lives of veterans and their families by providing the highest quality services; and continuing to create new opportunities in the areas of health.
Colonel Hall, who had a 30-year career in the Air Force, reflected on his military experience at the flag ceremony and how he worked alongside airmen who were eligible for some type of assistance program. “I know first-hand of the value, tremendous support, and the commitment and dedication of organizations like the Food Bank. They make a difference in our communities.”
Joe Arthur noted, “We started our Military Share program 4 years ago, and already it has grown into one of the largest privately-funded food assistance programs for veterans in our entire country. And while we are proud of our work, we know there are many more veterans in need.”
For the convenience and privacy of the individuals and families served, MilitaryShare distributions take place on-site at armories, VFW and AMVET locations. Last year, the Food Bank served 20,000 families through MilitaryShare.
Although the demand for food continues to rise, according to Feeding America, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is focused to meet the demands alongside the help of their collaborative network of partner agencies. And to one day provide access to enough nutritious food for everyone struggling with hunger in each of the 27 central Pennsylvania counties they serve.
About the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank:
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce hunger in 27 counties across Pennsylvania. By working with more than 1,000 local agencies and partner programs, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serves nearly 140,000 people in need every month. For more information on the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and its mission to reduce hunger in Pennsylvania, visit centralpafoodbank.org or call 570-321-8023.