Some veterans across Lackawanna County say they are feeling disrespected after a Hometown Hero banner popped up in the Green Ridge section of Scranton.
SCRANTON, Pa. — Veterans from across Lackawanna County are speaking out after a hometown hero banner of former President Joe Biden was put up outside his childhood home in the Green Ridge section of Scranton.
“It was sent to me, and I was then contacted by two veterans to say, ‘Hey, I’m having a real hard time with this. I said all right, we’re going to bring some attention to this,” said Andy Chomko, U.S. Army veteran.
U.S. Army veteran Andy Chomko was joined by other area veterans and advocates outside Valor Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Scranton on Wednesday. Each feeling strongly about honoring the former president with a Hometown Hero banner.
“Don’t portray him as a veteran. He didn’t serve. He didn’t take that oath to serve as we did. He didn’t put their life on the line,” said Harold Nudelman, U.S. Navy veteran.
All men saying it’s not a political issue, but one of respect.
“Hometown Hero banner program. Around the country and throughout the region have historically and practically and in practice been reserved for veterans, and when we dilute the standard, and we don’t hold the standard, that dilutes the meaning,” said Chomko.
Earlier this week, we spoke with members of the Green Ridge Neighborhood Association who sponsored the banner.
“A hero is not just a military person or veteran or a first responder. They can be anyone who dedicates their life to helping others. And we felt that President Biden did that and deserved the honor of having a banner here in Green Ridge,” said Laura Agostini, Green Ridge Neighborhood Association President.
Association President Agostini says the neighborhood group gets information from families who wish to have a banner made representing their loved ones.
She says they do not require a DD-214, a certificate of release or discharge from active duty.
“There’s groups in Texas, in Maryland, who have included people that are not active or veteran military, so we decided early on that’s what we were gonna do. We made it very broad. And it just seemed natural,” said Roberta Jadick, Green Ridge Neighborhood Association Treasurer.
“To be among our ranks as veterans. No, is he the commander in chief? You’re damn right he is the commander in chief. He was, ok, but he has no right to be classified as a veteran,” said Joe Pehanick, U.S Navy veteran.
The veterans speaking out hope the banner is taken down, an apology is made, and that in the future, groups interested in honoring their hometown heroes ask those who serve for help.
“For many veterans, their honorable discharge is all that they have. And in some ways, this public recognition is the only recognition that they’ll ever receive for their military service,” said Chomko.