U.S. Army Veterans join author and former ABC White House News Correspondent Jake Tapper for Moderated Discussion

WILMINGTON – On Monday, January 14, 2013, Delaware will welcome four American heroes to our great state.  We are honored to announce that four U.S. Army veterans who participated in one of the most storied battles of the ten-year U.S. engagement in Afghanistan will be in Wilmington the evening of the 14th for two public events.

Their stories were recounted in Jake Tapper’s best-selling book, The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor.  They were part of a 53-man remote deployment near the Pakistan border that was nearly overrun by 400 heavily armed Taliban troops.  Eight of their colleagues died during the battle and many more were seriously injured.

We encourage you to hear them tell their extraordinary stories during an event the evening of January 14th at The Grand entitled, “Untold Stories of American Valor.”  This will be a special event, as the four men are joined by the author of the book, Jake Tapper, who will facilitate the discussion.  Mr. Tapper, a former senior White House correspondent for ABC News, begins as chief Washington D.C. correspondent and daily news anchor for CNN in February.  Their visit to Delaware is the first time the men have been together since Afghanistan and their first appearance with Mr. Tapper since his writing of the book.

The event will begin promptly at 6:30pm and is free to the public.  Seats will be on a first-come, first-served basis.  Major General Frank Vavala, The Adjutant General, Delaware National Guard, will also be in attendance and make remarks.

This event will include decorated members of the Delaware National Guard who have also served in harm’s way in ongoing deployments to the Middle East. It is our way of highlighting and honoring the ongoing sacrifices made by First State veterans, some of whom were recently deployed from Delaware to Afghanistan for a year’s tour.

From 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Mr. Tapper will sign copies of his book and all four veterans will be on hand to meet the public at Ninth Street Bookshop.  Additionally, Mr. Tapper will sign books immediately following the discussion in the lobby of The Grand.

From 1:00pm – 2:00pm, the veterans will visit William Penn High School to speak to the 200 members of William Penn’s JROTC program.  The discussion will be moderated by Dave Skocik, President of the Delaware Veterans Coalition and is open to press but closed to the public.  The William Penn AFJROTC will present the colors at the evening event.

Delaware Boots on the Ground and Lt. Governor Matt Denn, with the support of the Delaware Veterans Coalition, Vietnam Veterans of America, The Grand, and the sponsorship of AstraZeneca worked together to bring these men to Delaware.  Additionally, many thanks to AstraZeneca, The Grand and Kent County Motors for contributions that made this visit possible.

For future planning, Delaware Boots on the Ground and the Lt. Governor are planning on welcoming two more groups of veterans to Delaware in May and November, to coincide with Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.

Monday, January 14, 2013

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Veterans Speak to William Penn High School AFJROTC

William Penn High School
713 East Basin Road
New Castle, DE 19720

*Press should check in at main office with proper credentials.  This event is not open to the public.

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Jake Tapper Book Signing

Ninth Street Book Shop
730 N. Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

*Author and veterans will be on hand to greet members of the public.  Books may be bought at that location or brought with you.  There will be an additional signing at The Grand after the event.*

6:30pm – 7:30pm
Moderated Discussion with Jake Tapper – “Untold Stories of American Valor”

The Grand, Copeland Hall
818 N. Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19801

*A book signing will follow until 8:15pm.

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