Luzerne Times

Rep. Dane Watro, representing Luzerne and Schuylkill counties, has contributed items from his military service to the Pennsylvania House Archives. These items are now part of an exhibit that highlights former and current members of the House of Representatives who have served in the military.

“I am proud of my military service to our great nation and honored to be part of the ‘Salute to Service’ exhibit through the end of the year,” Watro stated. He has loaned a military police armband and a combat helmet for display.

Watro's military career began after he graduated from Hazleton Area High School in 1995 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was initially stationed at the Korean Demilitarized Zone and later at Fort Hood, Texas. With the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Watro reenlisted and underwent training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, before deploying to Baghdad, Iraq. During his deployment until March 2005, he was selected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to join an American unit responsible for guarding Saddam Hussein. His efforts in combating international terrorism earned him commendations.

The "Salute to Service" exhibit spans all major American military conflicts from the American Revolution to modern-day Middle Eastern conflicts. It features uniforms worn by current and former House members from various branches of the armed forces.

The Pennsylvania House Archives is situated in Room 628 of the Irvis Office Building within the Capitol Complex. The exhibit is accessible to visitors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.