Delaware National Guard service is a family affair

A junior at Caesar Rodney is the fourth generation of his family to enlist in the Delaware National Guard.

Brandon Walton was joined by his father and grandfather during today’s enlistment ceremony at the National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters.  Walton’s great-grandfather, George R. Walton, Sr., also served in the Guard.

“It is truly a historic event, this enlistment ceremony,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, Adjutant General, who has served with Brandon’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.   “It is my honor to be administering this oath to the next member of a family I have been serving with for four decades.”

Brandon Walton joined the Guard as a satellite operator/maintainer.  He starts drilling at the Bethany Beach Training Site’s Recruit Sustainment Program before heading off for Basic Combat Training next year.

Brandon’s great-grandfather retired as a colonel from the Delaware National Guard and was promoted to the state rank of Brigadier General.  Brandon’s grandfather, Bruce Walton, Sr., also achieved the rank of Brigadier General.  Brandon’s father, Lt. Col. Bruce Walton, Jr., joined the Delaware Guard in 1986 and now serves as Battalion Commander of the National Maintenance Center in Camp Dodge, Iowa.

George R. Walton, Sr. retired as a colonel from the Delaware National Guard and was promoted to the state rank of Brigadier General. So was his son, Bruce Walton, Sr., who watched as his grandson took the oath.