Maj. Gen. Michael Berry to keynote veterans dinner Nov. 9
Maj. Gen. Michael Berry, cabinet secretary for the Department of Military Affairs, will keynote the 6th Annual Friends of Delaware Veterans Dinner set for 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at Dover Downs Hotel.
The annual black tie optional fundraising dinner, hosted by the Friends of Delaware Veterans, is the primary event that benefits the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund. It includes entertainment, a plated dinner, and silent and live auctions.
Tickets are $100 each or $1,000 for an eight-person sponsor table.
Under the auspices of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Trust Fund assists veterans residing in Delaware with emergency financial aid. Its one-time hand-up grants have prevented utilities cutoff and vehicle repossessions, made emergency repairs to homes and sometimes put food on the table.
The Friends board is composed of 11 military veterans who work pro bono in collaboration with the commission.
“We are honored to have Delaware’s top military leader as our guest,” said Dave Skocik, Friends president. “Gen. Berry’s more than three decades of military service includes Afghanistan, where he was attached to the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He understands the challenges faced by those in uniform.”
Berry assumed his duties as Delaware’s adjutant general March 1. He is responsible for the mission readiness of all Delaware National Guard units, including more than 1,500 soldiers and 1,100 airmen for both federal and state missions.
His military career began in September 1988 when he enlisted in the Delaware Army National Guard under the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Simultaneous Membership Program. He received his commission through the ROTC at the University of Delaware in May 1989.
Berry earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from University of Delaware in 1989. He obtained law enforcement certification as a 1990 Delaware State Police Academy graduate. He is also a 2008 graduate of the United States Army War College, receiving his master’s degree in strategic studies.
To make dinner reservations, email sherri.taylor@delaware.gov or call 302-257-3117.
For more information, go to www.DelawareVeteransTrustFund.com.
