WILMINGTON —Congressman John Carney has invited Captain Daniel A. DeFlaviis, a veteran of the War in Iraq and member of the Delaware National Guard, to join him tonight for President Obama’s third State of the Union address.  Captain DeFlaviis will travel to Washington today and meet with Congressman Carney before attending tonight’s speech.

During his deployment to Iraq in 2007, Captain DeFlaviis served as a platoon leader in the 153rd Military Police Company.  After returning home, he was promoted to Company Commander, a position he held from 2008-2011.  He was responsible for training equipping, and manning the 150-person unit.    

Captain DeFlaviis’ leadership of the company earned him the MacArthur Leadership Award for officers who exemplify the ideals for which General Douglas MacArthur stood: duty, honor, and country.  Captain DeFlaviis is the first Delawarean to receive this prestigious recognition.  

DeFlaviis also received the Delaware Army National Guard’s 2011 Kirkwood Award as the Outstanding Company Commander.  In his civilian occupation, Captain DeFlaviis is a Trooper with the Delaware State Police.

 “It’s an honor to have Captain DeFlaviis as my guest for tonight’s State of the Union,” said Congressman Carney.  “His exemplary leadership at home and while deployed is indicative of the tremendous service that the Delaware National Guard provides to our state and nation.  Over the last decade, members of the National Guard and their families have been asked to sacrifice more than ever before in defense of our nation.  They have answered each call with unrivaled dignity and professionalism, and their service should never be forgotten.”

“It is such a great honor for the Delaware National Guard to be represented at this historic event,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, the Adjutant General. “Captain DeFlaviis has been an outstanding Citizen-Soldier and traditional Guardsman and the men and women of the Delaware could not be better represented.”

Delaware’s National Guard deployed thousands of members to Iraq between 2003 and 2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Their responsibilities included military police, convoy security, aeromedical evacuation and air base operation support.

While operations in Iraq have drawn to a close, the Delaware National Guard continues to have more than 170 members currently deployed in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more information, please contact Albert Shields at (302) 691-7333.