His family, including his wife, aunt and uncle and at least one
cousin, are proud of him for his 22 years of service to the
military.

On Dec. 20, the Pennsylvania National Guard showed him its
appreciation as well.

Arnold E. Sirline of Bradford was honored in Johnsonburg with a
certificate and a Meritorious Service Medal for his years of
service in the Pennsylvania National Guard. He retired as an E5
Sergeant.

“He served faithfully for more than 20 years,” said Sgt. Todd
Mead, squad leader of the 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Division of
the Pennsylvania National Guard out of Ridgway.

“He provided outstanding support in food services. We counted on
him. He was a task master in the kitchen, he was so dedicated and
served quality meals,” added Mead reminding a reporter that no
matter the position, the amount of years served in the military
shows the dedication that Sirline has for the National Guard.

“It takes a special breed of person who will set aside 20 years
of his life – I have the utmost respect for him,” continued
Mead.

Sirline retired to spend more time with his family.

His wife, Crystal said she is “very proud of him.”

“He has done very well,” she added, saying that they were
surprised when he received the award in Johnsonburg.

Don and Christi Burlingame, Sirline’s aunt and uncle, are very
proud of him as well.

“If Arnie’s father were alive, he would have been so proud of
him – he was a Korean War vet – he would be thrilled to death,”
said Burlingame. “On behalf of the whole family, I want to thank
the Pennsylvania National Guard for all they have done … Mead and
the battalion for putting him in for this honor.”

Sirline is the chef at Togi’s and is also a volunteer for the
Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department.

He said he wanted to thank Togis’ Mel, Dave and Michelle
Bizzarro for their years of support while he was enlisted.

Sirline said he was also able to help support the national guard
on the infantry side. “I met a lot of good friends along the way,”
added Sirline who helped victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
when they hit.