Executive Order Ninety-Two Authorizing The Establishment Of A Special Fund To Assist Any Delaware National Guard Member Or Delaware Based Reservist Who May Be Ordered To Active Duty Or State Active Duty For Any Mobilization Of Any Duration Who Suffer Serious Financial Hardships, As A Result Of Mobilization
WHEREAS, since September 11, 2001, the United States of America, acting in concert with other nations and the Department of Homeland Security, has deployed its armed forces to the Persian (Arabian) Gulf, other worldwide locations, and within the boundaries of the Continental United States, to fight terrorism, provide for domestic emergency services, and protect the lives and property of their citizens; and
WHEREAS, members of the Delaware Army and Air National Guard, and other Delawareans who are members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserve being called to serve in annual training status, individual training status, federal active service or state active duty; and
WHEREAS, many individuals and organizations desire to extend financial aid and assistance to ameliorate the hardships of Delawareans called to annual training, individual training, active federal service or state active duty and their immediate family members or authorized 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, it is the policy of the State of Delaware to minimize the hardships to its people arising from the call to annual training, individual training, active federal service or state active duty for mobilizations of any size or duration,
NOW THEREFORE, I, RUTH ANN MINNER, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, HEREBY ORDER ON THIS 14TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2006:
1. The Adjutant General of the State of Delaware is authorized and directed to establish and maintain the Delaware National Guard and Reserve Emergency Assistance Fund (hereinafter the “DNGREAF”). 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 National Guard and Reserve units based within the State of Delaware, ordered to active military duty or State active duty as a result of any mobilization or domestic emergency for any duration; and
(ii) Members of the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States whose units are or were permanently stationed in the State of Delaware at the time these units were ordered to active federal service or state active duty as a result of mobilization of any duration; and
(iii) The dependents of any persons described in subparagraphs (i) and (ii).
b. Disburse and pay to eligible persons (as defined in subparagraph (a)) such funds as may be necessary and appropriate to alleviate financial hardship resulting from the call of a National Guardsman or Reservist to active federal service or state active duty as a result of any mobilization for any duration.
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 Delaware National Guard Emergency Assistance Fund pursuant to Executive Order No. 43, issued April 4, 2003, shall be included in the DNGREAF created by this Order and subject to distribution under the terms of this Order.
5. Executive Order No. 43, dated April 4, 2003, is rescinded.
Approved and adopted: November 14,
