A United States Air Force serviceman who received an “Operation: CAN DO” care package presented the CAN DO Student Action Committee with a flag that was flown in an aircraft during a mission over Southeast Asia.

Michael DellaVella, whose wife, Diane, is a Kelayres native, attended the CAN DO Board of Directors meeting earlier this month to present the Student Action Committee with the flag. He made the presentation to 2016 “Operation: CAN DO” co-chairs Jenna O’Donnell and Anthony Kimsal, Student Action Committee advisers Nancy Stasko and Charles Burkhardt, CAN DO President and CEO Kevin O’Donnell and CAN DO Board of Directors Chairman Dr. John Madden.

DellaVella was born and raised in Philadelphia but refers to Hazleton as his “adopted hometown.” He said receiving the package made him feel special and he wanted to present the Student Action Committee members with the flag to honor their community spirit.

“I hope the Student Action Committee members know just how much their efforts are appreciated by myself and my fellow service members,” DellaVella said. “The students provide such an important service to us and to the community. The “Operation: CAN DO” program would not be possible without their efforts. It is such a good feeling to see that the community service spirit is alive and well with the Student Action Committee.”

The Student Action Committee partnered with Freeland American Legion Post 473 last fall for the 11th annual “Operation: CAN DO” drive. A record number of items and monetary donations were collected from businesses, individuals and school groups throughout Greater Hazleton. The items, including food, books and personal care products, were used to create care packages that were delivered to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving abroad with ties to Greater Hazleton in time for the Christmas holiday.

DellaVella said it’s always exciting for military members to receive a care package but he was especially excited with the “Operation: CAN DO” package because it contained practical items, including protective gloves and wrist guards, that he was able to share with a number of the Air Force members working alongside him.

“Right before the package arrived, I remember having a conversation with one of the individuals from the flight line and he commented that they could use some protective gear. Not only was practicality considered with this package, but the timing could not have been any better. We also received items such as shampoo and soap which were great items to receive while deployed.”

DellaVella has been a personnel supervisor in the U.S. Air Force for more than 16 years. He and his wife, Diane, adopted a son from China in February. They reside full time in Philadelphia but spend most of their time in Hazleton in a house once owned by Diane DellaVella’s grandmother.

In the photo, DellaVella is shown presenting the flag to “Operation: CAN DO” co-chair Jenna O’Donnell. Also pictured are, from left: Dr. John Madden, CAN DO Board of Directors Chairman; Nancy Stasko, Student Action Committee adviser; Charles Burkhardt, Student Action Committee adviser; Anthony Kimsal, “Operation: CAN DO” co-chair; and Kevin O’Donnell, CAN DO President and CEO.