thedrifter
07-16-08, 07:15 AM
Harvell: Marine loss is a call to arms
By Peter Harvell/Guest columnist
GHS
Posted Jul 16, 2008 @ 12:19 AM
Thursday under a bright morning sun, SGT David Animas was interned at the National Cemetery in Bourne. David was surrounded by his grieving family and his extended family, members of the United States Marine Corps. Captain Susie Gallucci from the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marines from the 6th Motor Transport Company rendered National Honors to their fallen comrade in a magnificent moving display of pageantry and professionalism.
At the memorial service members of Sgt. Animas extended family were present to demonstrate and render their respect to David and to his family. Members of the Marine Corps League, traveled from as far away as Connecticut, Southbridge and Bellingham to honor David. It was an impressive array of League leadership and respect. The group included New England Division, Vice Commandant Richard Gore from Danielson, CT. Department of MA Marine Corps League, Commandant Robert DeLong, Chaplin George (Doc) Fregeau and Chief of Staff James Hastings. Metro West Marine Corps League Commandant Roger Beer and a dozen Marines from the Metrowest Marine Corps League Detachment #1037. The League's mission is to join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps. In addition the league voluntarily aids and renders assistance to all Marines, former Marines, their widows and orphans.
If you know a Marine from any war who may need help please call Framingham Veterans Agent or the United States Marine Corps' Wounded Warrior Regiment whose mission is to provide and facilitate assistance to wounded/ill/injured Marines, Sailors in support of Marine units, and their family members throughout the phases of recovery. Wounded Warrior Call Center (24 hrs a day) (877) 487-6299.
Sgt. Animas' death was indeed a tragedy; his two small children will always have a void in their lives. The Framingham veteran community is beginning to recognize and deal with the loss of young service personnel like Sgt. Animas. In particular, it is important that veterans evaluate what is important to them and participate in activities to acknowledge contributions of their comrades and provide help for those in need.
The veteran, man or woman, standing next to you in line in a Framingham supermarket perhaps has yet completely "come home." There may be part of his body, mind or soul that he has lost or left behind. Without being whole, he can not truly "come home" or reintegrate into civilian life until he can heal himself.
What can you do to help? It is not enough that you check the block on your census form that you are among the 2,700 veterans who live in Framingham. You need to answer the call to join the Veterans Council or one of the many Veterans Service Organizations in Framingham such as the Jewish War Veterans, the VFW or the Marine Corps League to name a few.
The Framingham Veterans Council is inviting all Framingham veterans to a BBQ at Cushing Park, Thursday evening, July 17, at 5:30. Please join them for dinner and help make a difference in your legacy and your community.
Peter Harvell is director of veteran services for the town of Framingham.
Ellie
By Peter Harvell/Guest columnist
GHS
Posted Jul 16, 2008 @ 12:19 AM
Thursday under a bright morning sun, SGT David Animas was interned at the National Cemetery in Bourne. David was surrounded by his grieving family and his extended family, members of the United States Marine Corps. Captain Susie Gallucci from the Wounded Warrior Regiment and Marines from the 6th Motor Transport Company rendered National Honors to their fallen comrade in a magnificent moving display of pageantry and professionalism.
At the memorial service members of Sgt. Animas extended family were present to demonstrate and render their respect to David and to his family. Members of the Marine Corps League, traveled from as far away as Connecticut, Southbridge and Bellingham to honor David. It was an impressive array of League leadership and respect. The group included New England Division, Vice Commandant Richard Gore from Danielson, CT. Department of MA Marine Corps League, Commandant Robert DeLong, Chaplin George (Doc) Fregeau and Chief of Staff James Hastings. Metro West Marine Corps League Commandant Roger Beer and a dozen Marines from the Metrowest Marine Corps League Detachment #1037. The League's mission is to join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps. In addition the league voluntarily aids and renders assistance to all Marines, former Marines, their widows and orphans.
If you know a Marine from any war who may need help please call Framingham Veterans Agent or the United States Marine Corps' Wounded Warrior Regiment whose mission is to provide and facilitate assistance to wounded/ill/injured Marines, Sailors in support of Marine units, and their family members throughout the phases of recovery. Wounded Warrior Call Center (24 hrs a day) (877) 487-6299.
Sgt. Animas' death was indeed a tragedy; his two small children will always have a void in their lives. The Framingham veteran community is beginning to recognize and deal with the loss of young service personnel like Sgt. Animas. In particular, it is important that veterans evaluate what is important to them and participate in activities to acknowledge contributions of their comrades and provide help for those in need.
The veteran, man or woman, standing next to you in line in a Framingham supermarket perhaps has yet completely "come home." There may be part of his body, mind or soul that he has lost or left behind. Without being whole, he can not truly "come home" or reintegrate into civilian life until he can heal himself.
What can you do to help? It is not enough that you check the block on your census form that you are among the 2,700 veterans who live in Framingham. You need to answer the call to join the Veterans Council or one of the many Veterans Service Organizations in Framingham such as the Jewish War Veterans, the VFW or the Marine Corps League to name a few.
The Framingham Veterans Council is inviting all Framingham veterans to a BBQ at Cushing Park, Thursday evening, July 17, at 5:30. Please join them for dinner and help make a difference in your legacy and your community.
Peter Harvell is director of veteran services for the town of Framingham.
Ellie