HARRISBURG, PA – Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33) plans to recognize a pair of Hanover-area residents and four Baltic guests Wednesday, June 26, coinciding with a “Lithuanian Partnership Month” resolution he is offering on the Senate floor.
The resolution observes the deep ties between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Lithuania, with this year marking the 26th anniversary of the partnership between the PA National Guard and the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The guests include:
- McSherrystown native Lawrence “Gumpy” Bolin, a 95-year-old World War II veteran who served in the 553rd Military Police Escort Guard Company, and participated in the Allied Invasion;
- Boots for Boots founder Christine “Christy” Lucas, who created a non-profit charitable organization that supports veterans and military families, predominantly in rural areas;
- Lieutenant Colonel Gražvydas Liubinas: Deputy Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attaché at the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, D.C.; and
- Lithuanian students attending the U.S. Army War College: Lt. Col. Andrius Paliušis, Lt. Col. Aurelijus Motiejunas, and Lt. Col. Gintaras Koryzna.
“The long-standing friendship and bonding that has developed between Pennsylvania and Lithuania is a model for other governments to emulate,” said Mastriano. “On the day the Senate recognizes the state’s partnership with Lithuania, I can think of no better occasion to recognize a Lithuanian diplomat, three Baltic students, a Hanover-area American hero and an Adams County resident that has dedicated her life to helping veterans.”
CONTACT: Scot A. Pitzer; 717-787-4651; spitzer@pasen.gov.