Photo courtesy of Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) Photo courtesy of Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41)
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) spoke to students, parents and veterans at White Oaks Elementary for their sixth annual “Bring Your Veteran to Breakfast” event. The event honored those individuals in the school community who are currently serving or who have served in the U.S. Military.
Started by Marion Fegley and assisted by fourth grade teacher Charlotte Hoffer and kindergarten teacher and Army veteran Ralph DiBacco, the elementary school’s annual breakfast has grown to serve nearly 300 guests, children, parents and veterans alike.
In her remarks to the attendees, Filler-Corn presented Principal Ryan Richardson with a letter from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner John Newby. She also recognized all veterans, active-duty men and women, Guardsmen and Reservists in the audience.
“You have gone above and beyond duty, raising your hand to volunteer to defend our nation and freedoms. The Commonwealth thanks each and every one of you, and I thank you and your families,” she stated.
Filler-Corn also shared with the group that Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) announced that day that Virginia has become the first state in the country to functionally end Veteran homelessness. “No one who has served our country in times of war or peace, men or women, active duty or reserves, should ever be left on the streets without shelter or services,” she said.
After Del. Filler-Corn’s remarks, the attendees were treated to a concert by Downrange, the U.S. Army’s Rock Band. Downrange has been entertaining members of the armed services and their families since 2002. When the concert ended, service members and veterans visited classrooms and encouraged the White Oaks students to work hard, listen to their teachers and enjoy learning.
Students thanked their honored guests with cards, showing appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women who served our country.