Sep 30, 2020
A VFW Post in Philadelphia received a Certificate of Appreciation from a Pennsylvania Army National Guard on June 7 for helping conduct COVID-19 tests.
Through the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have conducted coronavirus testing for the public. A part of Task Force Associator, soldiers from 1st Bn., 111th Inf. Regt., 56th Stryker BCT, 28th Inf. Div., aided and monitored self-testing in Philadelphia.
“During the COVID crisis and with some looting and so forth here in Philadelphia, the National Guard was sent in to help,” Post 3090 Commander Tyrone Love said. “As commander, I decided to open up our Post for them to utilize the latrine and to just get out of the sun. We just wanted to take care of our troops, so to speak.”
According to the certificate, the unit awarded Post 3090 for its “exceptional service” for supporting troops during Task Force Associator.
“Your dedication and commitment serves as an outstanding example of community interdependency,” the certificate stated.
Brig. Gen. Mark McCormack, deputy commanding general of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division, missed Love the first time he came to make the presentation so he came back alone to present him with one of his coins.
“He told me we went above and beyond,” Love said. “I don’t think we went above and beyond. We were just doing what we are supposed to be doing anyway. For veterans, it’s all about selfless service. As a former sergeant, I just did what I knew needed to be done to care for the troops.”