That we may remember their sacrifices

On Monday, May 31st, Bath Township's Memorial Day Observance held in Bath Memorial Park had the largest crowd yet as observed by the Memorial Day Committee members. The weather cooperated as best it could given the forecast for the weekend. 

Guest speaker for the day was Lieutenant Commander Suzanne Dalton (Please see biography at the end of this page) who gave a heart warming speech on the loyalty and dedication of our troops, yesterday and today. 

Once again, Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Frank Gaffney, conducted a superb program with the dignity befitting the day.

Special thanks to Bath United Church of Christ's Reverend Mark Fry, for the invocation and benediction; to Barbara Twelveagles for her patriotic singing of the national anthem; to Mrs. Robert (Billie) Whittum, Past Regent of DAR for her presence and support; to the Richfield Amvets Post 176 Commander Dick Rauch and Post 176 Color Guard: George Letosky-American Flag, Mike Marfut-Post Colors, Jane McDonough-Auxiliary Colors, Don Hartman-M.I.A./P.O.W. Flag, Charlie Hook-Honor Rifleman, and Bob McDonaugh-Honor Rifleman; to the Post 176 Rifle Squad: Herb Booth, Randy Reuville, Ken Dudo, Bob Elrod, Dan Liddle, and Joe Scolaro; to the Boy Scouts Troop 385 Alex Balogh and Troy Becker, and to the two young buglers from Revere High School's band: Jon Esterle and Tommy Frase. 

The township especially thanks the Memorial Day Committee members: Chairman Dan Liddle, David Darst-Program, Paul Simmons-Flags, Frank Gaffney-Master of Ceremonies, Bob Elrod-Seating, William Loeb, Carl Hartman-Signs, Jack Davis, Paul Martin, Mary Anne Krejci, Dick Krejci, and Bill Snow-township liaison for their organization, support and dedication. 

Reminder from Mr. David Darst: Memorial Wall Bricks are still available for a donation of $100.00.  Call Mr. Darst at 330-659-4211.

Biography of Lt. Cmdr. Suzanne L. Dalton

Suzanne L. Dalton was accepted into the Flight Program of the U.S. Navy after receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Milligan College in Tennessee in 1991.  She began her Naval Career at Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida where she received her Pilot Wings in December of 1994.

LCDR Dalton went on to fly the SH-60F and HH-60H “Sea Hawk” Helicopter as an anti-submarine and search and rescue pilot on the West Coast.  During her first Western Pacific Deployment in 1995 on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz, she and her flight crew were responsible for the rescue of an F-14 Pilot and RIO out of the waters in the Persian Gulf.

In 1997 she assisted Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar in San Diego as the community Planning Liaison Officer during a pivotal period in its history as the Base prepared to turn over to the United States Marine Corps.  She was the liaison for the Naval Air Station to local Congressmen, the Mayor of San Diego, local council members, planning boards and committees and acted as the governing body for all land use on and around NAS Miramar.

Her most recent years of active duty were spent in the Tactical Air Control Squadrons (TACRONs) in Coronado, CA where she again deployed to the Persian Gulf onboard the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Belleau Wood in 1998.  LCDR Dalton also spent two years as the School House Administrator and the Information Technology Officer at the Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group at the Naval Air Station, North Island, CA.

In January of 2002, LCDR Dalton transitioned from the Active Duty Navy to the Naval Reserves.  In January of 2003, she was activated and mobilized to deploy in support of the War on Terrorism.  She again deployed to the Persian Gulf from January to June of 2003 on Amphibious Assault Ship USS Saipan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In September of 2003 she again joined her Reserve TACRON unit in Coronado, CA and was released from Active Duty.

In February of 2004, LCDR Dalton sailed again to the Persian Gulf on board the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Boxer in support of Iraqi Freedom II with TACRON 21.

LCDR Dalton has served in Operation Desert Fox, Operation Desert Shield, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Iraqi Freedom I & II.  Her highest personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medals (3).