The LuLac Edition #3601, September 25th, 2017

DALE KRIDLO HONORED

From left to right, Dale Kridlo's mom Michelle Dale and dad Al Kridlo Junioe, Congressman Matt Cartwright, Representative Aaron Kaufer as well as State Senator John Yudichak in the foreground at the dedication.

For years the name of Ambrose West and a group of other Luzerne County politicos positions were on a plaque on the Fort Jenkins Bridge. That changed Sunday when the iconic bridge was re named for the late Dale Kridlo who gave his life in Afghanistan in 2010. The honor is fitting for a young man cut down in his prime serving his nation. It was Sunday November 7th, 7 years ago in in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, when he died from wounds suffered by insurgents' attacks on his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C.

It stunned Pittston and the entire surrounding communities. Less than 2% of the general population serve in the military. The danger faced by those soldiers was magnified by his death.

He is now being honored for giving the ultimate sacrifice. As I wrote his Aunt Debbie on FB, it was heart wrenching. However his memory and what he did will be long preserved.

The Yonki family has known the Kridlos for years. Dale's grand father was a long time City Councilman. So this was personal for all of us and those in the Junction neighborhood he came from. Against the back drop of a blue sky and blazing sun, the flag flew in somber remembrance of this very special young man.

We found a video that says it all from 2011 that we'll share with you today.



BLOG FEST IN  OCTOBER

This fall’s Blogfest will take place in just a few weeks at the River Street Grille. It is on Saturday October 14th, starting at 5pm. All candidates as well as their friends and supporters are welcome. Hope to see you there.

BEDNAR EVENT THIS FRIDAY

(Photo: Bednar campaign)

Michelle Bednar who is running for re-election as Luzerne County Controller will have an event this Friday from 6 to 9pm at Bentley’s on Route 309. If you cannot attend, make checks payable to “Friends of Bednar”, 21 Sandy Beach Road, Wapwollopen, Pa. 18660. You can call 570 814 5465 or e mail Gale at ubu61@hotmail.com. Cost is $50.00.

Bednar has been front and center at every event this year and I’m sure will get a great turnout from her supporters.

TREASURY SECRETARY TO NFL PLAYERS: TAKE FREEDOM OF SPEECH OFF THE FIELD

It was very intriguing yesterday to see Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin tell NFL players to take free speech “off the field”. He unblinkingly supported the President’s assertion that players were unpatriotic for not standing for the national anthem. He also said everybody should stand for the national anthem. A few things:

1. People need to be told to stand.

2. Some need t be told to take off their hats.

3. Some need to stop drinking beer.

4. Or stop talking.

It’s not as if players were giving the flag or the country the finger. It was respectful move. If I hear someone say “this disrespects the military who fight for our freedoms”, newsflash, they fought for all of us to express an opinion. Here’s what he had to say yesterday: