Delaware County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Launches Adopt-a-Veteran Initiative
Media, PA — The Delaware County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs kicked off their Adopt-a-Veteran initiative at the Fair Acres Geriatric Center on Saturday, April 11 with over 40 local students and 30 veterans. This new initiative will allow Delco youth to connect with local veterans, sharing their experiences and allowing for meaningful connection across generations.
Saturday’s event marked the beginning of a recurring event series that will see young people from Delaware County paired with a veteran to learn about their military service and life experiences. While youth participants will have the opportunity to foster a relationship with a potential mentor and develop important life skills, veterans can have an impact on their community while reducing isolation.
“I’m thrilled to be implementing this sort of program in Delaware County, where we have so many veterans eager to share their experiences and youth eager to learn about them,” said Delaware County Council Chair Richard Womack. “I want to thank Colonel Jenkins for his leadership in getting this program off the ground and making this vision a reality.”
Youth participants at Saturday’s event primarily comprised of individuals from the Agnes Irwin School and the Marple Civic Youth organization, while students at Bonner-Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill have expressed interest in participating in the future.
“It is inspiring seeing so many young people of all ages interested in learning about how their neighbors and fellow Delco residents have bravely served our country,” said Delaware County Director of Military & Veterans Affairs Col. Arthur Jenkins. “I know our veterans are eager to continue forging bonds with young people in our community and sharing their stories, so I look forward to seeing this program continue to blossom into the type of community outreach that benefits everyone.”
Along with the Adopt-a-Veteran initiative, the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs is continuing their robust community outreach in hopes of reaching as many Delco veterans as possible. They are continuing to hold their Veteran Author & Memoir Keepers events, which allow veterans and community members to gather and share stories about their military service. As they have done in the past, they will be holding flag raisings to commemorate the birthdays of each branch of the military in front of the Courthouse throughout the year. Additionally, they are continuing their work in maintaining Green Lawn Cemetery in Chester, which is home to many African American veterans who served from the Civil War through the 20th century. Finally, they are holding a Veterans Resource Fair at First African Baptist Church (901 Clifton Ave., Sharon Hill, PA 19079) on Saturday, June 6 from 12-3 PM.
If you are interested in participating in the Adopt-a-Veteran initiative or have any questions about other Military & Veterans Affairs programs, please email DelcoVA@co.delaware.pa.us or call 610-891-4646. Please note that the Military & Veterans Affairs office has moved from the Delaware County Government Center in Media to the Drexeline Plaza at 4990 State Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026.