Retired Navy Rear Admiral Frank Thorp to address veterans trust fund dinner Nov. 4
Retired Navy Rear Admiral Frank Thorp IV will serve as keynote speaker at the Veterans Trust Fund fourth annual fundraising dinner set for 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4, at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.
Thorp served as senior spokesman for the Navy and provided strategic communication counsel to the secretary of the Navy and chief of Naval Operations, and served as chief of media for U.S. Central Command during Operation Iraqi Freedom. A communications veteran with more than 25 years' experience, he served as chief of information, where he was the senior spokesman for the Navy and managed a global team of more than 2,000 communications professionals. He also served as a deputy assistant secretary of defense and led the Department of Defense strategic communication program.
This year's dinner will also feature a chamber music quartet from the Dover Symphony Orchestra, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The Delaware Veterans Trust Fund was signed into law four years ago under the Commission of Veterans Affairs, but is not part of the state budget. It relies on the efforts of Friends of Delaware Veterans, the official fundraising organization of the trust fund, as well as community groups and individuals who host events in conjunction with them. Contributions are tax deductible.
"The Friends board is made up of volunteers from across the state. All are veterans who understand the need to help the proud men and women who have faithfully served our state and nation. All of the proceeds go to help Delaware veterans in proven financial need. The trust fund has stopped evictions, repossessions, cutoff of utilities, and in some cases put food on the table through one-time hand-up grants," said Dave Skocik, Friends president.
Tickets for the black-tie optional event are available until Monday, Oct. 30. To purchase tickets, call 302-739-2792.
For more information on individual and group ticket sales and sponsorships, go to www.DelawareVeteransTrustFund.com.
