Charles J. Delp recently celebrated a milestone birthday of 98 years in his home on May 9. Charlie is a WWII Veteran and is the husband of Stephanie (Peters) Delp, a native of Arnold. In addition to the birthday celebration, Charlie was honored with a commemorative medal celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII.

In 2025, Nebraska Governor Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Veteran's Offices launched an initiative to recognize and honor Nebraska's living WWII Veterans. A ceremony was held on May 8 at the state capitol for those able to attend, and for those who were unable to travel to Lincoln the medals were mailed. Family members could choose who they wanted to present the medal. Fellow Veterans Gary Mills of Arnold and Dave Chesley of Callaway presented the special medal and a certificate to Charlie in his home surrounded by a small group of family and friends.

The 'Celebrating 80 Years of Victory' medal was designed with the famous Nebraska Sower on the front surrounded by a laurel wreath which is a symbol of triumph and the wording 'Celebrating 80 Years of Victory 1945 WWII 2025'. The back side of the medal reads 'On behalf of a grateful state, Thank You for your service'. At the end of the medal presentation, Officer Charles Delp was saluted by fellow Veterans.

A Quilt of Valor ceremony followed with Deb Bryner of Broken Bow, a member of the QOV organization, informing the group of the history of this group of quilters and Linda Bomberger of Oconto, retired Custer County Service Officer and Navy Veteran, told the group of Charlie's service history and his career that followed his military service. Special guests present for the day's activities were two of Charlie's sons, Scott and David, both of California.

Charles Joseph Delp enlisted with the US Naval Service on April 13, 1945, while still attending high school in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was assigned to a light cruiser, the USS Oklahoma City (CL91) and served in the Asiatic Pacific (specifically Japan). He separated from the Navy on Aug. 8, 1946, and attended Colorado State University under the GI Bill. He then earned a PhD in plant pathology and went on to have a career in research with the DuPont Company. They allowed him to fulfill his obligations in the Naval Reserves by working on research projects with the University of Maryland during the 1950's. LTHG Charles J. Delp was honorably discharged on Oct. 30, 1959.

In 1985, Charlie retired from DuPont and became a Congressional Fellow through the American Association for the Advancement of Science, studying African agricultural aid for the House of Agriculture and Hunger Committees. He relocated from Delaware to Washington D.C. for that experience. Post-retirement, Charlie served as a volunteer in the US Peace Corps from 1998-2000 in Western Samoa where he successfully implemented a taro plant breeding program at the University of the South Pacific in Apia.

Charlie and Stephanie married in 1992 and spent summer vacations at her family farm in rural Arnold.

Charlie grew to share her love of the people, the sandhills, and the diversity of the area. For the past 30 years they have lived in Tampa, Florida where he taught courses in the 'Learning in Retirement' program at the University of South Florida.

They recently built a home northwest of Callaway and began spending summers there in 2022. In the fall of 2024, the couple decided to call rural Callaway their permanent home.

NOTE: We are sad to report that Charles Delp passed away on May 16. His life and service is a solemn reminder to always honor all veterans at any chance, especially those aging veterans who have served our nation.