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Tom Corbett, Governor |
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SCRANTON – Five decorated Pennsylvania veterans with lengthy service to veterans’ organizations were inducted today into the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center Hall of Fame. “It is an honor to recognize these five individuals for their service to our commonwealth and country,” said Carl Weinschenk, commandant of the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center. “After serving bravely during time of war, each of these inductees dedicated themselves to helping veterans and promoting their causes. They have earned their place in our Hall of Fame.” The inductees are Robert L. Alper, Kingston; Almon J. Long, Larksville; Thomas J. Mattie, Barnesville; Eugene J. Slabinski, Hanover Township; and Robert F. Tuffy, Dunmore. Alper served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was inducted into the “Chapel of the Four Chaplains” and received the Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal, three Campaign Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. He is a longtime volunteer at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and is active in programs for veterans. He is affiliated with VFW Post 283 and American Legion Post 395, both in Kingston. Long is an Army veteran of the Korean War who served with the 822nd Aviation Battalion, the 49th Bomber Wing, the 5th Air Force and the 8th Army. He was inducted into the “Chapel of the Four Chaplains” and is a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Korean Service Medal. He has been with the VFW for 52 years and served as commander of VFW Post 283 in Kingston and VFW Post 2433 in Union, N.J. Mattie was severely wounded in 1969 while serving in Vietnam. He is a recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with V for Valor, and three Purple Hearts with an Oak Leaf Cluster. He serves as a life member with the Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post 795, Drums, and is adjutant for AMVETS Post 1, Scranton. He continues to work tirelessly on behalf of veterans throughout the state. Slabinski served for 30 years with the Air Force, Air Force Reserves and the Army and is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He is a recipient of numerous medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal and the Commendation Medal. He has been active in numerous veterans’ organizations and is a past commander of VFW Post 5267, Hanover Township, as well as a member of American Legion Post 350, Nanticoke. Tuffy was a corporal in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and also went on to serve with the Army Reserves, retiring as a staff sergeant. A recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Tuffy is a member of the Disabled American Veterans and an active life member of the Northeast Detachment of the Marine Corps League and the American Legion Victory Post 13, Scranton. He has been recognized for his volunteer work at the Gino Merli facility. Each of the state’s six veterans’ homes, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, has a hall of fame to recognize and honor the military achievements of outstanding veterans who have completed honorable, active-duty military service and who reside or have resided in the region served by the veterans’ home. The Gino J. Merli Veterans Center, 401 Penn Ave., Scranton, has 200 beds for Pennsylvania veterans and their eligible spouses. It opened in January 1994.  Scranton-area veteran Robert F. Alper, center, is inducted into the Gino Merli Veterans Center Hall of Fame by Samuel Greenberg, left, president of the Gino Merli Veterans Advisory Council; and Brig. Gen. Scott D. Wagner, deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs for the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans. Four other veterans were inducted during the ceremony held Nov. 20 at the veterans facility in Scranton. |
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