PHOTO PROVIDED More than 275 people attended a “Shall Not Be Infringed Rally” sponsored by the Clinton County Republican Party on Sept. 15 at the Clinton County Fairgrounds to show their support for the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizens the right to keep and bear firearms. Shown in photo above are veterans and others recognized for their service, organized by 76th District candidate Stephanie Borowicz. Shown are, from left, Lee Phillips, David Harger, Misty Stein, Vickie Hancock, Borowicz, Eric Ditty, James Stewart, and Gaylon Klobe.

MILL HALL – More than 275 people attended a “Shall Not Be Infringed” rally held at the Clinton County Fairgrounds on Sept. 15. The rally was sponsored by the Clinton County Republican Party and organized by Stephanie Borowicz, candidate for Pennsylvania’s 76th Legislative District, in support of 2nd Amendment rights.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution reads: “A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”

Guest speakers included state Sen. Scott Wagner, 2018 Republican candidate for governor of Pennsylvania; U. S. Rep. Glenn “G. T.” Thompson of Pennsylvania’s new 15th Congressional District (formerly 5th district); and Borowicz.

Borowicz acknowledged the contributions and service of area veterans. Assisted by Thompson, they presented awards to five veterans and two women who started organizations to assist veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their families.

Vickie Hancock, a proud patriot and mother of a currently serving soldier, was recognized as the driving force behind “Heroes and Horses,” which utilizes horse therapy for treatment of veterans with PTSD. Retired State Corrections officer and Army veteran Eric Ditty was honored for his military service from 1992 to 1994 and dedicated efforts to raise funds to benefit area veterans. He is the owner of Ditty Candle Co. and donates all proceeds from the sales of his candles to veterans in need of assistance.

Iraq War veteran David Harger, who retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of 1st Sergeant, was recognized for his military service from 1986 to 2006 and his support of veterans and veterans’ organizations through Harger Utilities Charities.

James Stewart, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was honored for his military service and as commander of the Jersey Shore Honor Guard, whose members come from all branches of the armed forces and provide military honors at veterans’ funerals and present the colors at events.

A multiple tour veteran of the Vietnam War, Gaylon Klobe retired from the Army with the rank of major. He was honored for his service as a paratrooper, Army Ranger, and earned the coveted Green Beret. Gaylon currently volunteers at veterans’ events for flag presentations and medal presentation ceremonies.

Perhaps one of the most moving moments of the night was the presentation to World War II Army veteran Lee Phillips, who served under General S. Patton from April 1944 to 1946 and saw action in France, Germany and Austria. Lee enlisted at the age of 18 and missed his high school graduation to go off to war in France.

The final award was presented to Misty Stein, who, in 2017, founded the Daniel K. Stein Mission, Inc. in memory of her husband, SSG Daniel K. Stein, a veteran, after his tragic passing caused by PTSD. She was presented with a statue and a donated Woolrich Freedom throw blanket.

The evening came to a close as the Jersey Shore Honor Guard retired the colors, which they had posted earlier in the evening before the singing of the national anthem.

With hundreds of attendees from all across the state and the political spectrum, including a number of Democrats and Libertarians amongst the Republicans, the Rally was considered a success by those attending.

Borowicz remarked, “I knew the highlight of this event would be to honor those that have served this nation. It is something I will never forget.”