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thedrifter
05-30-07, 06:25 AM
In honor of a fallen hero
The first award in Sgt. McColley's name went to a future paramedic.
By ANGIE MASON
Daily Record/Sunday News
York Daily Record/Sunday News
Article Launched:05/30/2007 01:51:23 AM EDT

May 30, 2007 — Susan McColley looked up in the sun and marveled at the massive blades on the Marine Corps helicopter parked in front of her on the Gettysburg Area High School lawn.

She peered inside. She's been in one before but only wanted to look this time.

"I don't think I can do it, even though Eric liked them so much," she said.

McColley's son, Sgt. Jonathan Eric McColley, died Feb. 17, 2006, in a helicopter like the one that landed on the school lawn Tuesday. Eric, 23, was one of 10 who died when two of the heavy helicopters crashed off the coast of Djibouti.

Marines from Eric's squadron - HMH-464 from New River, the Marine Corps base in Jacksonville, N.C. - flew two of the helicopters to the school Tuesday for the first presentation of a scholarship in honor of Eric, who was a 2000 graduate of the school.

"The real reason we're here is to support the McColleys," said Maj. Trey Meadows, with the HMH-464, known as the Condors. "(He's) one of our fallen brothers."

The Marines, including one who knew Eric, arrived earlier in the weekend and had a picnic with the family.

"It's such a nice bunch of guys," Eric's father, John E. McColley, said. "It was a real thrill to get together with them, get to know them on a personal level."

The Marines and Eric's family and friends were among dozens who packed into the high school auditorium Tuesday night for scholarship presentations.

The McColley family chose the winner of the first Sgt. Jonathan Eric McColley Scholarship of Honor Award.

Scholarship recipient

Gettysburg Area High School students who planned to enlist in the military or pursue a career in public service were eligible for the $1,500 award.

"They were all perfect," Susan McColley said of the applicants. "It was a tough decision."

But they settled on Zach Sites, a senior from Orrtanna. Zach plans to begin attending Harrisburg Area Community College this fall in the EMT-paramedic program.

Zach "will do Eric proud," Susan McColley said.

The family recently planted 600 flags in the cemetery in Quantico, Va., in the section where Eric is buried. They're raising money to place 2,000 wreaths there at Christmas. It honors his memory and keeps their minds on something other than their grief, his mother said.

The response from the community since his death has been overwhelming, the McColleys said.

"It's been just an amazing 15 months since he died," his mother said.

Reach Angie Mason at 771-2048 or amason@ydr.com.

Ellie