Politics & Government

Families Add Soldiers' Photos to Tribute

Delaware County Council honored two more military members by adding photos to the county's Armed Services Tribute Board.

Delaware County Council honored two more military members by adding photos to the county’s Armed Services Tribute Board immediatly after its meeting Tuesday, Aug. 2.

The Tribute Board recognizes Delaware County residents who are actively serving in the military. It gives residents the opportunity to appreciate those who serve our country and also an opportunity to write letters and send care packages to men and woman overseas. 

U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Maritime Law Enforcement Chief Petty Officer David Welsh, 44, of Ridley Township, was added to the board today by members of his family.

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David's wife Tanya, daughter Alexis, uncle Patrick and aunt Dee were present to honor his achievements, along with Springfield Police Chief Joseph Daly. Chief Petty Officer Welsh is also a sergeant for

David Welsh's uncle, Patrick Welsh, also served the military in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1965 and is a Vietnam veteran, retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, in which he served from 1972 to 2002 as a BM2 Second Class Petty Officer Search and Rescue Coxswain.

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Following in his family's military tradition, David Welsh, a Ridley High School graduate, served in the U.S. Marine Corps from February 1984 until January 1988. In January 2002, he began serving with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and is presently serving at Camp Patriot Kuwait and the Al Basrah off shore terminal in Iraq.

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Matthew McGowan, 23, was added to the tribute board by his parents, Jim and Carol McGowan of Drexel Hill.

Lt. McGowan is a graduate of St. Joseph's Preparatory High School in Philadelphia; he recently graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

McGowan was commissioned as an officer on the U.S. Marine Corps. After successfully completing four years of intensive academic, physical and professional training, he received his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Quantitative Economics.

As of Aug. 1, Lt. McGowan has been assigned to Quantico, Va., where he will continue training.

Military addresses are available through the Public Relations Department. For information on the Pictorial Tribute or to make a submission, contact Lauren Contino at 610-891-4567.

The Armed Services Pictorial Tribute is arranged through the County departments of Veterans Affairs and Public Relations.

Delaware County residents who have family members actively serving in the military are invited to submit a 4 x 6 color photograph of the individual, along with the soldier’s name, town of residency and their official military address to:

Public Relations, Room 226A,

Delaware County Government Center,

201 W. Front St., Media, PA, 19063.

Photos and information can be sent via e-mail to Public Relations staff member Lauren Contino at ContinoL@co.delaware.pa.us.


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