State milita celebrates more than just birthday
By Sgt. Nathan Bright, Det.1, 444th MPAD

The Delaware National Guard had more than one reason to celebrate while in Rodney Square August 30th.

Nominally, the guard was in downtown Wilmington to commemorate the Delaware militia’s 350th anniversary, but state and local officials were also there to celebrate success in keeping the Air National Guard base at the New Castle County airport open.

Scattered throughout the square were displays from many of the Army and Air guard units from the state. Units exhibited their equipment and discussed their roles to interested onlookers. The 142nd Airlift Wing had a sampling of their survival equipment and had a mannequin pilot dangling from a simulated parachute. The 259th Signal Company (Tropo) had a truck and signal array on hand, while the 166th Explosive Ordnance Disposal displayed bomb disposal equipment and robot. The 166th Aeromedical Evacuation Squad demonstrated lifesaving supplies and techniques for passers-by. The 287th Army Band’s woodwind quintet played music for the crowd while waiting for the ceremony to begin. Also on hand were recruiters, the 153rd Military Police Company and a large detachment from the 198th Signal Battalion, the state’s oldest unit.

During his speech to the formed troops and gathered civilians, State Adjundant General Maj. Gen. Francis Vavala said, “Today we celebrate the 350 years of service that the Delaware National Guard has provided to the citizens of the first state,” and that “we triumphed in battle over the existence of a branch—the Air Guard—in Delaware.”

“August 31, 1655 signified the birth of Delaware’s militia and the anniversary of the citizen-soldier,” he said. On that day Swedish settlers of the area mustered at Fort Christina to defend against a Dutch attack. It was the first instance a citizen-soldier organization was ever attempted, according to Maj. Len Gratteri, state public affairs officer. “We lost, but the point is we gathered.”

But this day was about celebration of success and history. Vavala thanked the governor, congressional delegation, state and county officials and the numerous civic groups and citizens that worked to overturn the Department of Defense recommendations to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission, and thanked the guard men and women for their long history of dedicated service.

He said during his speech that the 198th Signal Battalion carries the legend of that first militia with 39 banners of the military campaigns the Delaware militia has fought in over the last four centuries. “The Delaware Guard men and women always served with pride and distinction, answering the call not only of their country and president, but their state and governor.”

Looking out at the Delaware National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, Vavala said, “these are modern-day minutemen. They protect our nation, serve our state. As we like to say, ‘We’re your hometown force; we’re your Delaware National Guard.”