Delozier to Host 13th Annual Tribute to Veterans Breakfast

May 1, 2025

MECHANICSBURG — Veterans and active-duty military personnel from the 88th Legislative District are invited to join Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier (R-Cumberland) for breakfast on Thursday, May 15, to honor their military service. The theme of this year’s free breakfast is “Celebrating Our National Guard.”

The event will begin at 8 a.m., with doors opening at 7:30 a.m., at First Church of God Community Center, 201 E. Green St. in Mechanicsburg. 

“It’s truly an honor to host this event to pay tribute to veterans and active-duty military personnel in the district,” said Delozier. “This year, we’re celebrating our National Guard soldiers and airmen, who are often deployed at a moment’s notice to protect our communities at home and suppress tensions abroad. Those who answer the call to join the National Guard embody service on every level. I am grateful for the ability to highlight their contributions and sacrifices, as well as say ‘thank you!’  

“As always, I am looking forward to seeing many familiar faces at this event. It’s a privilege to host this time of fellowship among local veterans and active-duty personnel as we thank them for their service.”

The 55th adjutant general of Pennsylvania and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), Maj. Gen. John R. Pippy, will provide an overview of the excellent work the Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers and airmen do on a daily basis for the Commonwealth and beyond. He is responsible for the command of nearly 18,000 Army and Air National Guard members; a complement of 2,500 Commonwealth employees; care of residential cadets at the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy; and six state-owned veterans homes and programs for nearly 700,000 veterans.

Pippy has served in a variety of positions within the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, which included two deployments to the Middle East. He deployed as the engineer director and headquarters battalion commander of Special Operations Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve from September 2016 to July 2017, and in 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This year’s keynote speaker is state Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin). First elected in 2020, Kerwin spearheaded efforts to develop a new memorial for Gold Star families who lost a loved one while he or she was on active duty in the armed forces. Kerwin also serves in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as a commissioned officer. In late 2023, he deployed to the Horn of Africa with Task Force Paxton, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Horn of Africa. 

Attendees are asked to RSVP at RepDelozier.com/events or call 717-761-4665.