Governor Honors Troopers Who Served in Military

It’s been 10 years since the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and Gov. Tom Corbett recognized the men and women of the Pa. State Police who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces since that infamous day.

On Sept. 1, Corbett joined State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan and other dignitaries for a special event at the Naval Support Activity Center in Mechanicsburg. The ceremony, described as the first such event in Pennsylvania, honored over 300 troopers for their military service.

“By wearing that second uniform, that uniform of our military, you have ennobled the one you are now wearing – the uniform of the Pennsylvania State Police,’’ Gov. Corbett told the troopers.

Nearly 200 award recipients attended the ceremony, as well as families of state troopers currently serving overseas. They were from throughout the ranks of the state police, including some from Troop M in Bucks County, which includes the . At the conclusion of the ceremony, each of the honorees received a Pennsylvania State Police/Military Service Award and certificate.

Two state troopers, Daniel R. Lightner Jr., of Hollidaysburg, and Scott R. Ball, of Carlisle, were killed in action while deployed with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Their families received special recognition at the event.

“It’s important to recognize the people who protect our country here and protect our country overseas,” Noonan said. “Since 9/11, we’ve had to respond to threats against our country at home and abroad. These are the people who respond.’’

After the ceremony, the dignitaries laid a wreath at the Naval Center’s memorial to honor those killed on Sept. 11, 2001.