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thedrifter
12-06-08, 06:54 AM
A visit from New York
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Nassau County fire fighters give gifts to wounded warriors
December 5, 2008 - 7:29 PM
JENNIFER HLAD

Friday was Sgt. Mark Schumaker's first day with Wounded Warrior Battalion East, and he walked away carrying a huge plastic bag full of presents.

"Today's the day I checked in ... It's Christmas," Schumaker said. "I think I've gotten more for Christmas here than I'll get when I go home this year."

The gifts - including T-shirts, toiletries, snacks, televisions and iPods - were hand-delivered Friday to the Wounded Warrior barracks by volunteer firefighters from Schumaker's home state of New York.

The firefighters from Nassau County collect donations each year so they can give holiday gifts to wounded warriors at Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg, National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

"This is about giving something back to the men and women who are in the armed forces, who put their lives on the line for us. And that's why I do it," said John Moloughney, a firefighter with the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department.

Tom Hind, a firefighter with East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department, said he is a reservist in the Marine Corps, so he welcomed the chance to help his fellow Marines.

Even in the midst of tough economic times, the community opened its hearts and wallets to donate for the wounded warriors, Hind said.

"The support's been unbelievable," he said.

Ken Fairben, former chief of the Floral Park department, said the program began in 2003 with the Stewart Manor Volunteer Fire Department. Since then, it has "grown tremendously," he said, with numerous villages and schools getting involved.

Of the 71 volunteer fire departments in Nassau County, about 35 are involved, he said. The cause is personal for Fairben, who lost his son, a paramedic, when the World Trade Center buildings collapsed.

The wounded warriors are so young, Fairben said, and when he looks at them, he sees his son.

"This is my way of giving back a little bit," he said.

Though the wounded warriors receive support and donations throughout the year, receiving so much from the firefighters is different, said Cpl. Dennis Ndaanee, who has been with the battalion for about a year.

"It is special," he said. "Every year, we always look forward to them coming down."

Sgt. Nathan Dee said the Marines had been talking about it for a month.

"It's a big deal," Dee said. "The Marines love it ... It feels like someone cares."

The Marines and firefighters have had a special bond since Sept. 11, 2001, said Lt. Col. Thomas Siebenthal, commander of Wounded Warriors Battalion East.

"Really, absolute appreciation on our parts," Siebenthal told the group. "I can't express that enough."

Contact interactive content editor and military reporter Jennifer Hlad at jhlad@freedomenc.com or 910-219-8467.

Ellie

thedrifter
12-06-08, 06:59 AM
Spankys was hopping since the Warriors and Firemen gathered for some well deserve food, drinks and to let loose.....;)

Thank You for All Your Hard Work

Pixs
http://fontman.smugmug.com/gallery/6745985_RA2Yz#431021657_fryHH

Spankys
http://www.spankys-sports-bar.com/


Ellie and Mark

thedrifter
12-11-08, 07:36 AM
Wounded warriors honored with luncheon

12/8/2008 By Cpl. Jessica Martinez , Marine Corps Base Camp LeJeune

Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. —No other branch of service takes as much pride
in itself as the Marine Corps. Every Marine is accustomed
to the saying “Once a Marine, always
a Marine,” and those words not only take precedence
in the minds, but in the souls of the Marines
who will always live and be a part of an undying
brotherhood.


Marines of the past and present gathered to
break bread, Nov. 20, at the Ball Center during the
Houston Chapter 1st Marine Division Association
luncheon held for all wounded, injured and
ill Marines and sailors recovering at the Wounded
Warrior Battalion-East, showing the camaraderie
instilled in all Marines.


“I was in combat in World War II, Korea and
Vietnam,” said retired Sgt. Maj. George F. Meyer. “I
was always taught to respect and protect my fellow
Marines. To raise the funds to have this luncheon for
the younger Marines is such a great honor to me.”
It’s important to recognize their sacrifice to
God and country, he said. He is grateful for the
work the younger generation is doing these days,
and said he feels the luncheon was a small token
of that appreciation.


It’s not uncommon for retired and former Marines
to support active duty Marines. It’s how Marines
live. It’s what they do — keeping the bond
between past and present. It is also appreciated by
Marines today.


“All the people who lend a hand to us are really
wonderful,” said Cpl. Ryan C. Hughes, a member
of the WWBn-E. “Talking with them makes me
realize how different things are now from the past.
Thanks to the Marines who went through tougher
times and weren’t treated as well; they now strive
to make sure Marines are now taken care of and
not forgotten.”


When Marines attend recruit training, it’s instilled
in them how vital it is to look out for their
fellow Marines.


“It’s definitely important to take care of each
other, whether you’re in the Corps for four years
or 20 years, you’re always a Marine,” said Hughes.
“I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done and
continue to do for us.”


It’s a simple concept. Marines take care of their
own, whether they’re active duty or retired, “once
a Marine, always a Marine.”

Ellie