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thedrifter
10-20-07, 04:32 AM
Park to Be Dedicated in Honor of
Marine Corporal Kevin T. Kolm
Hicksville Illustrated News, NY

Marine Corporal Kevin T. Kolm of Hicksville who was killed in the line of duty in Fallujah, Iraq, will have a town park dedicated to his memory on Sunday, Oct. 21. The Town of Oyster Bay will conduct a public ceremony at 1 p.m. at the park, which is home to the Hicksville American Soccer Club and located at the corner of Old Country Road and Plainview Road (one block west of South Oyster Bay Road). As part of the ceremony, inscribed tablets will be unveiled at the park. The tablets will stand as a permanent tribute to a man who played on the ball field as a youngster and later died on the battlefield while defending this nation's freedom.

On April 13, 2004, 23-year-old Corporal Kolm was killed by hostile fire in Fallujah. He was serving in the First Marine Expeditionary Force, having volunteered for a transfer from the Third Assault Amphibian Battalion's Bravo Company to Alpha Company because he knew Alpha was bound for Iraq. He was the crew chief of an amphibious assault vehicle who volunteered his vehicle for an assault on an insurgent stronghold. Corporal Kolm, who was well-liked by all who served with him and often gave nicknames like "Jungle Jam" and "Shaky Jake" to his fellow Marines, was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat. He was proud to stand side by side with his fellow Marines in battle.

Corporal Kolm was the third generation of Kolm men to serve in the Marines. His father, Thomas, served as a corporal in Vietnam and his grandfather, Ralph, served as a corporal in Japan during World War II. They are a family of heroes. Corporal Kolm was a graduate of Hicksville High School and enjoyed playing in local youth sports leagues with his friends and played in the Hicksville PAL lacrosse program. Just as he was on the battlefield in Iraq, Corporal Kolm was known by his peers as a team player and good friend.

"Kevin is a 'True American Hero.' He paid the ultimate price serving his country. This park, in the community where he lived for many years, will serve as reminder to all residents of his sacrifice," said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto. "The Marine Corps motto, 'Semper Fidelis,' which means always faithful, signifies the dedication and loyalty Marines are expected to have for Corps and country. Kevin cared about this country, his friends, the community and everyone with whom he came in contact. This park dedication is the town's way of showing how much we cared about him."

Ellie