governor’s office

DOVER

EXECUTIVE ORDERS

No. 35, Reauthorizing The Establishment Of A Special Fund To Assist Delaware National Guard Members Or Delaware-Based Reservists Who Suffer Serious Financial Hardship

WHEREAS, in recent years, the United States of America has deployed its armed forces throughout the world to fight terrorism, provide domestic emergency services, and protect the lives and property of its citizens; and

WHEREAS, members of the Delaware National Guard and members of other Reserve Components (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) who live within Delaware or whose units are stationed in Delaware contribute to the fight against terrorism, provide vital emergency services, and protect the lives and property of citizens of the United States and other countries; and

WHEREAS, many individuals and organizations in our State desire to extend financial aid and assistance to ameliorate the hardships of Delaware National Guard members and Reserve members stationed in Delaware and their immediate family members and dependents; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Military Affairs, Joint Force Headquarters, Delaware, Commanded by the Adjutant General of the State of Delaware, has been directed by the Department of Defense of the United States to plan, organize, and manage the Defense Family Assistance and Wellness Program for all Guard and Reserve personnel within the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, in furtherance of that mission, the Delaware National Guard and Reserve Emergency Assistance Fund (hereinafter, the "DNGREAF") has, since its founding in 1991, served the needs of Delaware National Guard members and Reserve members from Delaware-based units and their dependents with assistance to help address some of the financial and personal sacrifices undertaken by those men and women in defense of our country while on active duty; and

WHEREAS, the sacrifices and hardships of calls to active duty can be felt by the men and women of the Delaware National Guard and Reserves well after their deployments have ended, and our collective responsibility as Delawareans and Americans to those who serve on our behalf continues beyond the end of deployments, and, to that end, so should the assistance our community provides through the DNGREAF to these brave men and women continue when needed; and

WHEREAS, it remains the policy of the State of Delaware to minimize the hardships arising from service or membership in the Delaware National Guard or Delaware-based Reservists,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby DECLARE and ORDER that:

1. The Adjutant General of the State of Delaware is authorized and directed to continue and maintain the Delaware National Guard and Reserve Emergency Assistance Fund. The DNGREAF shall be maintained as a separate fund, separate from the General Fund or any special fund of the State.

2. Under rules and regulations developed and prescribed by the Adjutant General, the DNGREAF shall:

a. Receive, collect, and accept donations of money from whatever source or origin for the benefit of:

(i) Members of the National Guard or Reserves whose units are based within the State of Delaware; and

(ii) The dependents or immediate family members of any persons described in the subparagraph above.

b. Disburse and pay to eligible persons (as defined in subparagraph (a)) such funds as may be necessary and appropriate to alleviate serious financial hardship (as determined by the board of directors of the DNGREAF).

c. Be managed in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Adjutant General of the State of Delaware. These procedures shall ensure sound management of funds deposited in the DNGREAF, and equitable distribution of those funds to eligible persons. These procedures shall specify periodic reports to be submitted to the Governor on the activities of the DNGREAF.

d. The Adjutant General of the State of Delaware has the authority to allow exceptions to the eligibility criteria and disburse funds to non-eligible individuals subject to a favorable majority vote by the DNGREAF board of directors.

3. The DNGREAF shall not pledge, encumber, or obligate in any way the credit of the State of Delaware.

4. All funds collected and managed through the DNGREAF pursuant to Executive Order No. 92, issued November 14, 2006, shall be included in the DNGREAF created by this Order and subject to distribution under the terms of this Order.

5. Executive Order No. 92, issued by Governor Ruth Ann Minner and dated November 14, 2006, is hereby rescinded. Executive Order Nos. 89 and 105, issued by Governor Michael N. Castle, are hereby rescinded.

APPROVED this 1st day of June, 2012

Jack A. Markell,

Governor