ANNVILLE, Pa., May 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While
attending the Pennsylvania Army National Guard's Annual
28th Infantry Division Memorial Service in Boalsburg May
21, Governor Tom Wolf thanked
the more than 100 Gold Star Family members in attendance. They
represented 12 of the 39 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard
killed in action during the global war on terror.
"There is no way we can ever repay the debt we owe you or the
debt we owe them," stated Governor Wolf. "But through ceremonies
and services like this we can at least show our appreciation for
what they have done and for what all these brave women and men do
for us, often without expectation of reward or recognition."
One set of Gold Star parents attending this year were
Chuck and Diane Ruffner of
Cherry Tree, Pa. They stopped to
have their photo taken next to the 28th Infantry Division Global
War on Terror Memorial, erected in 2016 in honor of the 42 division
soldiers killed in action since 9-11. One of those soldiers is
their son, Chief Warrant Officer Matthew
Ruffner, killed in Afghanistan April 9,
2013.
"We've been coming to Boalsburg
every year since we lost Matt," Diane said.
Another of the names on the GWOT monument is that of Staff Sgt.
Keith Bennett, killed in
Iraq Dec.
11, 2005. His step-father, Tom
Miller, and his mother, Carolyn
Miller, of Drewmore, Pa. also stopped by the monument prior
to the start of the official ceremony. The Millers have attended
Boalsburg both as supportive
parents and as those in the Gold Star ranks. They say the event is
bittersweet for them now.
"The first time we were here we came to see him (Bennett) in the
parade. That was 12 years ago," Carolyn
Miller said.
"It's hard to come here now knowing it's 'in memory of' instead
of 'in attendance with.' But it's good to be here with the other
families," said Tom Miller.
While addressing the Gold Star families, soldiers and friends of
the division who gathered at the memorial, the governor added,
"Words can never express the sacrifice that you have made as family
members. We mourn with you. All of Pennsylvania mourns with you."
Photos from the memorial service can be viewed at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/the28idpao/albums/72157684149807855
MEDIA CONTACT: Joan Z.
Nissley, 717-861-8720
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visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-governor-wolf-thanks-gold-star-family-members-at-memorial-service-300464837.html
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans
Affairs