Post 17 pays tribute to veterans

American Legion Post 17 in Lewes was not going to let the COVID-19 pandemic keep them from celebrating Veterans Day Nov. 11. Planned as an outdoor event at the post’s new flag garden, rain caused the event to move under roof in the post’s pavillion.

Taking part in the ceremony were Murt Foos, president of Auxiliary Unit 17, as emcee; Kellie Bergen, Unit 17 chaplain; Ed Bergen, Post 17 commander; Doug Spelman, Squadron 17 commander; Mike Mulligan, first vice commander; Rich Mansfield, Marine Corps League; John Hammond, Post 17 chaplain; and Jagar Heeling, featured singer.

Special tribute was given to Lewes Mayor Ted Becker and Beebe Healthcare CEO and President David Tam as warriors and leaders in the community’s battle against COVID-19. Becker served on city council for 10 years before being elected mayor in 2014. Tam moved from California to start his new job March 17, the same time Delaware officials instituted a state of emergency because of the pandemic.

Becker, a U.S. Army and Army Reserves veteran, served from 1978-1996 as an occupational therapist with most of his duty at Walter Reed National Military Hospital in Washington, D.C., working with wounded members of the military. “I want to commend the American Legion for the important role you play to help men and women get back to a normal life,” he said.

Becker has a strong family military background with his grandfather serving in World War I in Germany and his father serving as a Merchant Marine.

Tam, who retired as a captain from the U.S. Navy 13 years ago, served for 24 years in the medical side of service, doing his pediatric residency at U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, Calif. Tam also has a strong family military background with his daughter serving as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and his wife’s father serving in Vietnam and Korea.