Wilmington, DE – The Governor extended his deepest sympathies to the family of Charlie Cawley, businessman and founding member of MBNA. He issued the following statement upon the news of his passing:

“Charlie Cawley was a financial services pioneer and played a significant role in helping create an industry in Delaware that, today, is stronger than it has ever been. His success also provided him with the opportunity to give back to the community through his tremendous philanthropic support. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but hope his family and friends will find peace in knowing so many others have benefited from his life’s work.”

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Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell today announced the nomination of Natalie J. Haskins, a native Delawarean and talented and dedicated public servant, to serve as a judge of the Family Court. If confirmed by the Senate, Haskins would fill the vacancy that was created as a result of the death of the Honorable Alan Cooper.

In her current position as an Assistant Public Defender representing juveniles in criminal litigation, and in her previous roles as a Deputy Attorney General in the Department of Justice’s Criminal and Family Divisions and in the Office of the Child Advocate, Haskins gained a thorough understanding and appreciation of the Family Court system and a passion for public service. Haskins began her legal career as an Associate at the Wilmington law firm Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP, where she handled civil litigation matters.

“Natalie’s experience in the various parts of the Family Court system, intellect, work ethic and passion for public service will make her an excellent addition to the Family Court,” said Governor Markell. “If confirmed by the Senate, I am confident Natalie will be able to hit the ground running and continue her hard work on behalf of children and families in Delaware.”

Haskins, a native Delawarean, is a graduate of Newark High School and the University of Delaware. She received her law degree from American University. She currently resides in Wilmington with her husband and three children.

“I am honored to have been selected by Governor Markell to join the Family Court,” said Haskins. “If I am confirmed by the Senate, I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Delaware in my new role as a Judge of the Family Court.”

The Senate is scheduled to consider this nomination, along with the nomination of Carla Benson-Green as Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families during a special session on Monday, November 30.

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DOVER – President Obama Sunday ordered American flags at all U.S. government buildings and facilities to be flown at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on November 13, 2015, in Paris, France.” In concurrence with the President’s order and as an expression of Delaware’s sympathy for the people affected by the tragedy in Paris, Gov. Markell has ordered the American and Delaware flags at state buildings and facilities also be flown at half-staff until sunset on November 19, 2015.

Dover, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell discusses efforts in Delaware to support veterans, including increasing access to employment and providing housing assistance, as the nation recognizes Veterans Day.

“Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Honor to the soldier and the sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause,’ and to honor them, we must do more than recognize them this week,” said Governor Markell. “As we give thanks those who have served our country and those who continue to fight for our freedom, we must meet our obligation to serve them at home. By continuing to support veterans and working to ensure they have every opportunity to thrive, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/mhF4VnDskbk
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
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Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Supporting Veterans in Our Community

Our Veterans Day celebrations and commemorations this past week provide an important opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the men and women who have accepted the responsibility of serving our state and country. We’re reminded that we are only the land of the free because we are the home of the brave.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Honor to the soldier and the sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause,” and to honor them, we must do more than recognize them this week. We’ve made progress. We’re supporting Veteran entrepreneurship through an effort to ensure access to state contracts for veteran-owned businesses. We’re also doing more than ever to provide job training and connect former service members to job opportunities.

Since 2009, our Department of Labor has seen a 55 percent increase in positive employment outcomes for all veterans, including a significant increase for disabled veterans. And it’s why my administration made the ambitious commitment in January to end Veterans Homelessness in one year. I’m proud that, led by the State Housing Authority, we have found permanent housing for 140 homeless veterans. But with the end of the year quickly approaching we have much work to do.

Last month, I announced a 100 Day Challenge to reach our goal by finding housing for 96 homeless veterans. This past week, volunteers across the state mobilized to identify veterans in need of housing and we’re asking landlords to visit delawarehousingsearch.org to participate in the effort.

As we give thanks those who have served our country and those who continue to fight for our freedom, we must meet our obligation to serve them at home. By continuing to support veterans and working to ensure they have every opportunity to thrive, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.