Airborne Day proclaimed

Grand Island Dispatch, August 8, 2008

Above, Grand Island Town Supervisor Peter McMahon, left, presents the
proclamation to Islander and 82nd Airborne veteran Joe Synakowski of the VFW.

The Grand Island Town Board voted to proclaim Aug. 16, 2008, as National Airborne Day on Grand Island, recognizing those members of the 82nd Airborne Division who have served the U.S.

In setting the date, the board noted the contributions of two Islanders and members of the 82nd Airborne who made the ultimate sacrifice:

•Pfc. Charles N. DeGlopper, a member of 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne division, who died in World War II at La Fiere, France, on June 9, 1944. The Grand Island Veteran’s of Foreign War post is named after DeGlopper, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

•Lt. Col. Terrance K. Crowe, an Airborne Trooper serving with the 98th Division, who died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on June 7, 2005.