Watro’s Army Items Included in House Archives Exhibit

January 13, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill) has loaned several items from his tour of duty in the U.S. Army to the Pennsylvania House Archives. The items are now on display in an exhibit featuring 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,” said Watro, who loaned his military police arm band and combat helmet.

After graduating from Hazleton Area High School in 1995, Watro enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, and later at Fort Hood, Texas.

When Operation Iraqi Freedom began, Watro felt compelled to reenlist. After training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, where he served until March 2005. During his tour of duty, Watro was selected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to be a part of the American unit that guarded Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. He received commendations for his part in combating international terrorism.

The Salute to Service Exhibit covers all the major American military conflicts, from the American Revolution to modern day Middle Eastern conflicts and identifies some of the House members who have served in each. Especially unique to the exhibit is a display of uniforms, worn by current and former members, representing the various branches of the armed forces.

The Pennsylvania House Archives is located in Room 628 of the Irvis Office Building in the Capitol Complex. The exhibit is open to the public Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Representative Dane Watro
116th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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