Delaware honors retiring Adjutant General Frank Vavala

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The Associated Press

Maj. Gen. Frank D. Vavala, adjutant general, Delaware National Guard, thanks all veterans and current service members during a speech at the Veteran’s Day ceremony, Memorial Bridge Plaza, New Castle, De., Nov. 11, 2016. Veterans, family members and local veteran organizations turned out to honor those who have served and are currently serving our community and nation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by SSgt. Andrew Horgan/released)

DOVER DOWNS, Del. — Gov. Jack Markell is honoring the adjutant general ahead of the Delaware National Guard ahead of his retirement this month.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that Markell promoted Adjutant General Frank Vavala from major general to lieutenant general during an event on Saturday.

The surprise promotion came during the Delaware National Guard’s 18th Annual Senior Leaders Conference in Dover Downs.

Vavala is set to retire later this month after serving nearly 20 years as adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard. Before becoming adjutant general, he worked for the DuPont Company in Delaware.

Vavala was also awarded Saturday with the Order of the First State, the highest honor given by the state.

Governor-elect John Carney said Saturday that Vavala will be replaced by Brig. Gen. Carol Timmons.

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