Willow Grove- Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett today unveiled the Veterans for Tom Corbett coalition during a rally at the Willow Grove VFW; veterans cited Tom’s record of standing up for our men and women in uniform as credence for their endorsement.
“Tom Corbett’s 13 years of service in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard provides him with the unique knowledge needed to run an administration that respects and rewards the sacrifices of military families,” said Major General (Ret.) Wesley Craig.
Colonel (Ret.) Phillip DeHennis agreed, “Tom has a record of standing up for men and women in uniform, whether helping to pave the way for a local veterans’ cemetery to honor the fallen close to home or filing suit to challenge an unfair federal BRAC realignment decision for Pennsylvania.”
Among those who joined Corbett today for the rally were the 12-person Veterans for Tom Corbett leadership committee including representatives from across the Commonwealth. The leadership committee represents all five branches of our military.
“I am proud today to be joined by so many Pennsylvania heroes, men and women who have fought selflessly and lived so honorably,” said Corbett. “As Governor, I will work to ensure those who serve our country are never taken for granted and return home to opportunity. And as the years that separate them from their service grow, all Pennsylvania veterans will continue to receive the respect and decency due them for their service.”
As Governor, Tom will direct the Department of Labor and the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs to collaborate on outreach programs with employers, community and veteran’s organizations, unions and local counseling centers to ensure all veterans are aware of and receive the job training services for which they are eligible.
While our Reservists and National Guardsmen and women are guaranteed return to their employers in similar positions upon return from service, some have returned to find their employer out of business or their skills out of date. Tom Corbett believes that all returning veterans and their families should receive assistance with skills enhancement training and job search skills to ensure their re-integration into Pennsylvania’s fast-paced economy.
“Tom Corbett will return honesty and integrity to Harrisburg, and the veterans of this Commonwealth can trust his word and his commitment,” said Craig.
A full list of the Veterans for Corbett leadership committee is attached.
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Veterans for Corbett Leadership Committee
Lieutenant General (Ret.) David E. Grange, Jr., United States Army, is a graduate of the Strategic Intelligence Course, the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He also attended the Advance Management Course for Executives at the University of Pittsburgh. Lt. Gen. Grange enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and served as a parachute infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division in Europe. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry in 1950. He has served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Lt. Gen. Grange is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards and decorations. He is serving as the Honorary Chairman of Veterans for Corbett.
Major General (Ret.) Wesley Craig, United States Army, graduated from Temple University’s Army ROTC program, as a Distinguished Military Graduate, and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Army Transportation Corps. After his discharge from active service, he began a 31-year civilian career with Strawbridge’s Department Stores while simultaneously enlisting in the Pennsylvania National Guard for 22 years. Maj. Gen. Craig transferred to the HQS of the 56th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and later to the HQS of the 28th Mechanized Infantry Division, followed by a return to active duty. In 1993, he graduated from the U.S. Army War College and retired a highly decorated official in 2006. He remains active in military affairs.
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Barbara Cross, United States Marines, has an extensive military background, for which she is decorated and currently serves as a Cumberland County Commissioner. Lt. Col. Cross’ expertise lies in the areas of budgeting and logistics. Currently, she serves on various committees, some of which include: the Bio-Medical Ethics Committee of the Carlisle Regional Hospital, Dickinson College Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Capital Region. She is also a former Vice Chair of the Zoning Hearing Board of West Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County.
Gregory Davis, is an Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Officer. He graduated from the Military Police Officer Basic Course, Military Police Officer Advanced Course, Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course, Counter Intelligence Special Agent Course, Combined Arms Staff School and the Command and General Staff College. He began his career as a private in the 94th Military Battalion in Germany and later joined the PA National Guard as a Military Policeman in the 28th Company. On the Military side, he has risen up the chain of command, with each new post bringing more and more responsibility. Davis, a Lieutenant Colonel, has traveled the world on assignments and is highly decorated.
Kevin Dellicker, is a co-owner of Dellicker Strategies, a growing consulting firm that specializes in helping schools, hospitals and businesses improve their use of technology. Dellicker has spent 15 years with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. He is a four-time veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, specializing in intelligence, information warfare and anti-terrorism. Kevin is a distinguished graduate from the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science and a graduate of the Air Force Intelligence Officer Course. He has received many awards for outstanding military service.
Colonel (Ret.) Philip M. DeHennis, Pennsylvania National Guard, served as the Group Commander of the 213th Area Support Group in deployment support of Operation Katrina Relief prior to his retirement. Col. DeHennis is a graduate of the United States Army War College and is a professional engineer. His military career began in 1970 when he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard and soon transferred to Company C, 103rd Engineer Battalion as a combat engineer. After attending Officer Candidate School, he became a 2nd Lieutenant. Col. DeHennis has served as a platoon leader, company executive officer and company commander. He has received numerous citations and awards for meritorious service. He is currently employed by Boeing Integrated Defense System’s Aircraft Division as an engineer.
Robert J. DeSousa, is the former Inspector General of Pennsylvania and a Harrisburg lawyer. Prior to that, he held positions with both federal and state government. DeSousa serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and has received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star. He served his country in Iraq from 2007-2008 as the Command Judge Advocate for his unit as well as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for his Higher Command and is currently the State Judge Advocate for the Department of Pennsylvania, Veteran's of Foreign Wars. He is the Executive Director of Veterans for Corbett.
Dominic D. DiFrancesco, retired Navy, is the past National Commander of the American Legion and a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He became National Commander in 1991 and ran a successful term, during which he paid homage to Captain Herman J. Bottcher and ‘G’ Company by erecting a memorial in their honor. In more recent years, he has fought for war veterans to receive adequate medical benefits and served as a member on the Department of Veteran Affairs Advisory Committee. This committee tackled the issue of homeless veterans and works tirelessly aiding veterans in need. He has been honored for service to his country.
LCDR (Ret.) John J. DiLeonardo, United States Coast Guard, served a total of 32 years of service, including 9 years service in the U.S. Navy starting as a Seaman Recruit and 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Lt. Commander DiLeonardo is the recipient of many distinguished honors and awards, including the Air Medal. He received his MBA in Finance from St. John’s University and is a Professor of Finance, Business and Economics at Temple University, Bucks County Community College and Strayer University.
Major General (Ret.) William B. Lynch, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, is a graduate of the National War College. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and was a USAF fighter pilot, flying 100 unarmed reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam as an RF4C Aircraft Commander. General Lynch was appointed as Deputy Adjutant General; Commander of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard in 1995; and Adjutant General and Secretary of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in 1999. General Lynch has served in both the public and private sectors, is a member of numerous boards and commissions and has received many outstanding military awards and honors.
Major General (Ret.) Daniel J. O’Neill, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, began his service in the Military Police as a distinguished Reserve Officer Training Corps graduate. He has over 35 years of commissioned service, serving in command and staff positions. General O’Neill graduated from the United States Army War College and became deputy commander, State Area Command (STARC) in 1994. General O’Neill received a B.S. and Masters Degree in Education Administration from the University of Scranton. A former teacher, General O’Neill is the superintendent of the Wayne Highlands School District. General O’Neill is a member of numerous civic and charitable organizations and is the recipient of many distinguished honors and awards.
Major General (Ret.) Walter F. Pudlowski, Jr., Pennsylvania Army National Guard, assumed his duties as the Special Assistant to the Director, Army National Guard, in 2004. His military career began in 1965 as an enlisted soldier in the United States Army and received his commission following Officer Candidate School. He is a graduate of the United States Army War College. General Pudlowski rose through the ranks, serving in numerous positions of increasing responsibility and leadership in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard including Executive Officer, Deputy Commander, Commander, and Chief of Staff. General Pudlowski is a veteran of the Vietnam War and has received many outstanding awards and honors for his service.
