April 23, 2003 Ceremony Honoring Northampton Patriots
For a slide/musical presentation of clips from the 7 year period click on the following link for the Armed Forces Medley
http://animoto.com/play/UxmTTYgLi6ezdV5EDghdXg
or the following for one with the musical Score of God Bless America
The following is a text presentation of the Ceremony held at the Northampton Commons on the evening of April 23, 2003. To view the larger version of each picture simply click on the image.
NB: Page 2 contains all of the photos and description of each individual Patriot including when their military flag was placed while deployed and when they returned home to claim it.
(6:00 p.m.) Opening Remarks and Introductions: Pete Palestina
Good evening everyone. Welcome to the Northampton Commons and to our recognition ceremony honoring Northampton Township Patriots serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. My name is Pete Palestina and I am Chairman of the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors. It is my honor to be your coordinator of activities this evening and I’d like to introduce my fellow Supervisor Board members. Vice Chairman Dr. Arthur Friedman, Secretary John Long, Jr., Treasurer James Kinney and Supervisor George Komelasky.
Our special guest speaker this evening, and I will more formally introduce later, is retired Army Captain and Vietnam War Hero David Christian. And our very special guests and ceremony participants, are the families of those we will honor this evening.
Let me take a moment to tell you what is this all about and how it got started. A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by Bernadette Heenan, who told me that a group of moms and wives, referred to as 
“Families of our Northampton Patriots”, had gotten together and formed a kind of support group. Bernadette asked about the possibility of having some type of recognition ceremony for these troops and invited me to a meeting with several moms and wives at her house in order to discuss it further. At the time, all we had was an anonymous benefactor who would purchase ceremonial flags and an inspiration to do something to honor our brave Northampton servicemen and women involved in Iraqi Freedom. At the time, the war 
was going on full throttle, and with all the protests against the war being highlighted by the media, there was a desire to have a public display supporting and honoring these brave people. They thought a small ceremony at our Township’s “Commons” would be a nice way to go and were looking for ideas to make it work. They humbly asked if the Supervisors would support them and allow the use of the Commons for the ceremony. I was touched at that meeting. They were concerned about their loved ones in harms way, and yet the words of pride and patriotism flowing from their mouths nearly left me in tears.
We came up with the idea of different flags representing the branch of the military served by each Patriot and how to recruit information to identify as many Northampton residents serving in Iraqi Freedom as possible. The flags, with a streamer identifying the Patriot, would be planted in the Commons and stay until the person returns, at which time the flag will be given to him or her as a keepsake and token of appreciation for their patriotic service in protecting our country and liberating Iraq.
I took the idea back to my Board, asked if they would support this plan, they did so enthusiastically, and here we are this evening. What better place to have this type of ceremony than at a small park that the Township has built and dedicated to all those Northampton residents who volunteered and served. As of now, we have 24 servicemen and women who are serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
(6:03 p.m.) Call to Color Guard
Ladies and gentlemen, I direct your attention to my right, your left, to our Color Guard from the Marine Corps League who will present the colors after which Megan Sexton will
sing the National Anthem.
(6:06 p.m.) Pledge of Allegiance
Here are two special young guests, a son and daughter of 2 of our Patriots, 6 year old Anthony McQuiggan and 6 year old Nicole Mento who will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
(6:07 p.m.) Introduction of Keynote Speaker
You may recognize our keynote speaker as one who has appeared on the Fox News Network where he is employed as a news consultant. During the last few weeks he has been giving expert commentary on the war with Iraq. Still others may know him as a war hero. As a young U.S. Army officer during the Vietnam conflict, he would go on to become one of the most decorated veterans of the Vietnam War. Included were the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, seven Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, to name just the most important.
In addition, David Christian had become the youngest second lieutenant in Army history, then the youngest first lieutenant and, finally, the youngest captain. Twice, he received the last rites. He had been shot in the chest, stabbed in the arm, suffered stomach and other injuries from an exploding antitank weapon, watched as his feet were ripped up and received napalm burns over 40 percent of his body.
But Captain Christian’s tour of duty wasn’t limited to his teenage years in Vietnam. After the war, Christian continued to infiltrate behind enemy lines during the Cold War for Uncle Sam. Escaping the clutches of death more often then he likes to remember, this real American hero developed and honed his skills as an operative. He was seriously injured, and even imprisoned, on different occasions in Russia, Bosnia, Chechnya, the Middle East, Lithuania, and his old training ground – Vietnam and Cambodia. He is the National Commander of the Legion of Valor, calls Bucks County his home and resides in Washington’s Crossing.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome retired Army Captain David Christian.
(6:20 p.m.) Flag Planting Ceremony
And now for the ceremony of planting the flags. Up here along the walkway are the family representatives of the Northampton Patriots we honor today. Each Supervisor will announce the name of an honored Patriot and bring that flag to the person representing him or her whereupon the flag will be placed in the ground. We will rotate first to my left and then to my right as each name is called alphabetically until all 24 flags have been accounted for, 12 on this side and 12 on that side. Becky Keel will hand us the flags is Becky Keel. (story continued on page 3)
Roll Call of Honored Northampton Patriots: |
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1. Marine Corps Major Michael Sean Bodkin, Richboro (Margaret Bodkin) presented by Palestina |
   Returning from Iraq, the Bodkin family shown in late July 2003 with Major Bodkin who was presented his flag. He was again deployed for a 2nd tour and the flag was again returned, this time to mom and dad, Margaret & Jim at the 6/13/07 Supervisors meeting. |
2. Navy Petty Officer Donald Bourlier, Churchville (Dorothy Bourlier) presented by Friedman |
 Bourlier returned safely from Iraq and flag returned to him. |
3. Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Daily, Holland (Rosemary Daily) presented by Long |
   Chris Daily was not able to appear at the July 9, 2003 Supervisors welcome home and flag presentation. Shown here are returnees Adam Morton and Jim Griffin with their families. |
4. Air Force Staff Sgt. Laura Danford, Holland (Ann Danford) presented by Kinney |
  After returning from Iraq, Staff Sgt. Danford picked up her flag in late July 2003. At the August 13, 2003 Supervisors meeting, George Komelasky returned the flag to Laura’s mother, Ann. |
5. Navy Seaman John Ehrman, 3rd, Holland (Beth Ehrman) presented by Komelasky |
  At the Aug. 13, 2003 Supervisors meeting, Pete Palestina welcomed home Seaman Ehrman and returned his flag as proud Mom Beth looks on. |
6. Navy Ensign Kelly Finn, Richboro (Debbie Finn) presented by Palestina |
 On 7/11/07  Kelly’s Mom and Dad, Debbie & Bruce received Kelly’s flag on her behalf from Pete Palestina |
7. Marine Corps Sergeant James Griffin, Richboro (Coleen Griffin) presented by Friedman |
   At the July 9, 2003 Supervisors meeting Jim Griffin (2nd from left) and Adam Morton (2nd from right) were given their flags and a welcome home. |
8. Army Specialist Danielle Hesko, Churchville (Allison-sister) presented by Long |
   On April 14, 2004 the Supervisors presented her Army flag and welcomed home, now Sgt. Danielle Hesko shown with daughter Briana. |
9. Marine Corps Corporal Joel Hight, Churchville (Joan Palestina) presented by Kinney |
   On August 8, 2007 Hight’s flag was returned via the Marine Corps League’s Patriot Detachment #1230 by Supervisor Palestina. |
10. Air Force Captain Andrew Hunt, Holland (Terry Hunt) presented by Komelasky |
   On May 23, 2007 Supervisor Jim Kinney presents Hunt’s flag to friend Mike Berger. |
11. Navy Electronic Technician 1st Class Thomas Kolb, Churchville (Susan Pickwell-sister) presented by Palestina |
   N.B. On June 27, 2003 Tom Kolb picked up his flag from Supervisors Pete Palestina and Art Friedman. He was the first to return from Iraq. Also present was Police Chief Barry Pilla and Lt. Neil Clark. |
12. Marine Corps Private 1st Class Paul Mathis, Churchville, (Dorethea Mathis) presented by Friedman |
   On July 15, 2003 Supervisors Palestina, Long and Kinney presented Paul Mathis and his father Kretz Mathis with his flag at the Commons. |
13. Navy Petty Officer Joseph McQuiggan, Churchville (Cindy-wife) presented by Long |
  At the Aug. 13, 2003 Supervisors meeting, John Long returned the flag to McQuiggan’s wife, Cindy and family. |
14. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Edward Mento, Richboro (Pat Mento) presented by Kinney |
   At the September 10, 2003 Supervisors meeting Pete Palestina returned the flag to Mento’s mother Pat and sister Nicole. |
15. Air Force Captain Michael Mondeaux, Holland (Shirley Mondeaux) presented by Komelasky |
   Pete Palestina returns flag to mom Shirley at the 11/14/07 meeting. |
16.&17. Marine Corps Lance Cpls Adam & Sam Morton, Churchville (Ms. Morton) presented by Palestina |
   At the July 9, 2003 Supervisors meeting Adam Morton was given his flag by George Komelasky. At the May 23, 2007 meeting Sam’s flag was returned by Pete Palestina. |
18. Army Lieutenant Eric M. Sproesser, Churchville (Gerry Sproesser) presented by Friedman |
   Has returned from a 2nd tour and flag was presented by Supervisor John Long to Tony Albano standing on his behalf at the May 23, 2007 meeting. |
19. Army Major Eric Swenson, Churchville (Janet Swenson) presented by Long |
   Pete Palestina welcomed home and presented Captain Swenson with his flag at the Newtown Middle School on May 18, 2004. After returning from a 2nd tour Eric was presented his flag once again at the Supervisors meeting of 2/22/06. Swenson then deployed to Afghanistan at the rank of Major and on 9/21/11 his parents placed his Army flag back in the display. For the video click
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20. Air Force Lt. Col. Carol Timmons, Richboro (Ellen Short – Aunt) presented by Kinney |
   Aunt & Uncle Mr. & Mrs. Short retrieve flag for Lt. Col. Timmons who returned in late July 2003. A more formal ceremony was held at the Aug. 13, 2003 Supervisors meeting where Jim Kinney returned the flag to Mrs. Short. |
21. Marine Corps Corporal Thomas Waldron, Richboro (Mr. Waldron) presented by Komelasky |
  He safely returned and so was his flag. |
22. Navy Seaman Gerald Patrick Walker, Churchville (Kristen-wife) presented by Palestina |
   Walker returned Nov. 2003 and flag was returned by Pete Palestina on November 19, 2003. |
23. Marine Corps Private First Class John Wilkens, Holland (Sharon Wilkins) presented by Friedman |
   On July 12,2003 Supervisors Pete Palestina, George Komelasky and Jim Kinney welcomed home John Wilkens and presented his flag at his home in Holland. Also shown is Mom Sharon and sister Alex. |
24. Army Specialist 4 Zachary Wyant, Richboro presented by Long |
  On January 28, 2004 Supervisors Palestina and Long welcomed home Zach Wyant, presenting him with his flag. |
N.B. The following Patriots were not involved in the above ceremony, but either went to Iraq afterwards, or their names were not known at the time. We post them here to acknowledge that a flag has been made for each of them. |
 On November 12, 2003 the flags were removed from the Commons in order to protect them from the winter elements. A flag case was made and donated by Dave Hardy and a ceremony was held at the Supervisors meeting where the flags were placed in the case. |
25. Army Captain Stephen Messenger |
 Captain Messenger received his flag at the 10/24/07 Supervisors meeting. |
26. Army Col. Daniel Lawrence Rubini |
 On March 24, 2004 Supervisor Peter Palestina presented his Army flag and welcomed home Col. Rubini. |
27. Army Sgt. Thomas McKenna |
 Flag returned to Tom (R) on 6/13/07 at the Supervisors meeting by Supervisor Jim Kinney. |
28. Army PFC Michael Pinciotti |
  Mike’s mom Marlene and dad Steve placed his Army flag at a Supervisors meeting in April 2004 and on December 15, 2004 his flag was returned to him by Pete Palestina. He is now serving a 2nd tour and his Army flag was again placed on 6/28/06 (below photo, 2nd from left). Stopped by on leave to visit and say hello (see Devlin below), then received his flag back on 12/12/07. |
29. Army CWO Christopher Millevoi |
 At the November 10, 2004 Supervisors meeting Chris’s wife Trish placed his Army flag in the display. He returned with Dave Taurino and Brad Raudenbush and all 3 flags were returned by the Supervisors on Dec. 7, 2005.  |
30. Army CWO David Taurino |
 At the November 10, 2004 Supervisors meeting Dave’s wife Michelle and daughter Alexandra placed his Army flag in the display. Dave’s flag along with Chris Millevoi’s and Brad Raudenbush’s were returned by the Supervisors on Dec. 7, 2005 |
31. Army Specialist Brad Raudenbush |
 At the December 15, 2004 Supervisors meeting Brad’s mom was presented his army flag to be placed in the display. Brad’s flag along with Chris Millevoi’s and Dave Taurino’s were returned by the Supervisors on Dec. 7, 2005. |
32. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Meyer |
 Air Force flag placed in display with wife Peg. He’s on 3rd tour in Iraq. On May 23, 2007 the flag was returned to Shawn by Supervisor Vincent Deon who presented it to Bernadette standing in on Shawn’s behalf. |
33. Marine Corps PFC Matthew Devlin |
 Mom Alice (L) placed flag in display at the 3/8/06 meeting along with Supervisor Palestina. On 10/25/06 Matt’s flag was returned to both he (left Marine) and Mike Potts. |
New & Larger Display was needed September 2006 |
 In September 2006 a larger display was made and donated by Muntz Construction. |
34. Army Captain Kelly Boone |
Flag was first placed by mom Judy Boone (R) with Supervisor Komelasky at the 3/8/06 meeting. Then on 2/28/07 Komelasky returned the flag to Kelly’s mom as Kelly was now at Ft. Polk, LA and could not be at the meeting. Then, when Kelly went on her 2nd tour of Iraq the Army flag was again placed at the 6/25/08 meeting. On 10/14/09 the Supervisors returned the Army flag once again to Kelly’s mom Judy. |
35. Army Spec 4 and Navy Petty Officer Frank Young, Jr. |
 (right) Mom Stacey placed flag at the 3/22/06 meeting with Supervisor Komelasky. At the 11/8/06 meeting Supervisor Palestina welcomed him home and returned his flag. Young then enlisted in the Navy and went to Pakistan so at the 10/6/2010 ceremony his mother parents placed a Navy flag in the display. Click on the following link for the YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSb8weQSRSk . Young returned from Pakistan  and on 6/22/11 his father Eric accepted his Navy flag. For the video clip click on the following link
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36. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Potts |
(left) Mom Susan placed flag at the 3/22/06 meeting with Supervisor Palestina. On 10/25/06 Mike’s flag was returned to both he (right Marine) and Matt Devlin. Also shown is Army Sgt. Mike Pinciotti who stopped in while on leave from Iraq. Then on 9/5/07 dad Larry Potts put back the Marine flag as Michael went for his 2nd tour. On 12/9/09 Michal was welcomed home again by the Supervisors who again returned his flag. For the video click the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H7yJ3H0W_U  |
37. Air Force Lt. Col. Paulette Schank |
 Flag placed with Supervisor Palestina by Grandson Dean Applegate Paulette’s daughter Joy at the 4/5/06 meeting. Then on 6/28/06 the Supervisors welcomed Lt. Col. Schank and returned her flag. Col. Schank was welcomed home a 2nd time on 2/25/09 due to her 2nd tour in Iraq. This time Supervisor Chairman Vincent Deon made the presentation. |
38. Marine Corps Corporal William Aschinger |
Mom Sandy (R), assisted by Supervisors Palestina and Komelasky placed USMC flag in display on 6/28/06. Then on 7/11/07 flag was presented to  Aschinger while he was on leave. On 8/8/07 Marine flag was again placed by his parents and then  he had a welcome home ceremony on 3/25/09 at the Supervisors meeting. |
39. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Pearson Crosby |
 Supervisor Palestina returns USMC flag to parents of Pearson (Sheila and Bob) and family at the 7/12/06 Supervisors meeting. Crosby could not be in attendance as he was in Camp Lejeune. |
40. Army 1st Lt. Michael Schanne |
  Mom Joanne, brother Patrick and dad Mike placed Lt. Scanne’s flag in the display at the 9/27/06 Supervisors meeting. His flag was returned on 12/19/07 after his 2nd tour of Iraq. |
| 41. Navy MA2 Stephen Emerson |  Mom Harriet and dad Bob placed Stephen Emerson’s flag in the display at the 1/24/07 Supervisors meeting. Then on 6/27/07 Stephen’s Navy flag was returned to him by his mom and Pete Palestina at the Supervisors meeting. After  going back to Iraq for a 2nd tour in 12/08 the family put his Navy flag back in the display on 4/22/09.   On 9-14-09 Chairman Deon welcomed Steve home at his house and presented his flag. Also see a video from Channel 3 news and A hero’s Welcome:
A Hero’s Welcome link: http://s601.photobucket.com/albums/tt96/aheroswelcome |
| 42. Army Sgt. Joseph Dinan |  On 2/28/07 Supervisor Kinney hands Army flag to Joe’s mom Kathleen and later joins her and O’Hara’s mom (see below) in the placement of the flag into the display. Then on 3/28/07 Dinan gets his Army flag presented to him from Supervisor Palestina and then gives a nice warm hug to mom Kathy. |
| 43. Marine Corps Corporal William O’Hara |    On 2/28/07 Supervisor Palestina presented a USMC flag to Bill’s mom Rita and then joined her and Dinan’s mom (see above) in placing the flag in the display. Then on 9/5/07 the Supervisors welcomed home William as Palestina returned his flag.  At the 4/23/08 Supervisors meeting O’Hara’s mom reinserted Williams USMC flag in the display as he began his 2nd tour in Iraq and then it was again returned to O’Hara at the 11/19/08 meeting along with Lance Corporal William Parks. |
| 44. Army Sgt. Saul Weiss |  On May 23, 2007 an Army flag was placed for Sgt. Weiss. It was returned to him at the 6/13/07 meeting by Supervisor Kinney. |
| 45. Army PFC Robert Dembowski, Jr. |  On May 23, 2007 an Army flag was placed for PFC Dembowski by Mom Fran and dad Bob, Sr.. The very next day he had been killed in Iraq. A special service in his honor was held on Memorial Day, May 28, 2007 at the Commons.  Here his American flag is shown with a black streamer. See link on sidebar or click here. On 12/17/08 June Capinas, mother of Master Sgt. Paul Capinas presented the Dembowski’s with a flag flown by her son’s squadron in Iraq over the place where Bobby was killed. |
| 46. Air Force Master Sgt. Paul Capinas |   On May 23, 2007 Capinas Air Force flag was returned to his mother June by Supervisor George Komelasky. Capinas returned to Iraq for 2nd tour and his flag was brought in again on 12/17/08. Then  on 8/12/09 Paul’s flag was returned to his son Gene and mother June by Supervisor Chairman Vince Deon. Then on 8/3/10 Paul was welcomed home in a semi-private reception.  For a video of this ceremony click on the following link
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| 47. Navy Petty Officer Andrew Hughes |   Flag placed in display by mom and dad Donna & Mike Hughes at the 6/13/07 Supervisors meeting. Then on 11/14/07 Andrews flag is returned to him by Pete Palestina. |
| 48. USMC PFC James Browning |  Flag placed in display by mom Pat Browning at the 9/5/07 Supervisors meeting.  Then at the 2/13/08 Supervisors meeting George Komelasky along with the Marine Corps League Detachment welcomed home Browning along with mom Pat and fiancee Colleen. |
| 49. Army PV2 Corey Richardson |   Flag placed in display by Corey’s family along with Pete Palestina at the 10/24/07 Supervisors meeting. On 12/17/08 the Supervisors welcomed home Corey Richardson. |
| 50. Army Captain Scott Boone |  Captain Boone’s Army flag was placed in the display by his mom Judy at the 12/19/07 Supervisors meeting. At the 5/13/09 Supervisors meeting the Boone family came to take back Scott’s flag who was now in  Hawaii where he will marry and settle down. |
| 51. USMC Lance Corporal William Parks | At the 4/23/08 Supervisors meeting Lance Corporal Parks’ Williams USMC flag was placed in the display by his mom Michele. Then on 11/19/08 the Supervisors welcomed home Parks and returned his flag along with Corporal William O’Hara. |
| Effective August 13, 2008 program was expanded to include all Northampton residents who are, or were, residents of the Township when entering military service and have deployed, or are scheduled to deploy, to a combat area as part of the Global War on Terror since September 11, 2001.A combat area is defined as any location determined by the Dept. of Defense where the deployed service member is eligible for combat pay. | The first person to receive recognition under the expanded program was USMC Corporal Stephen Bitting. |
| 52. USMC Corporal Stephen Bitting |  Corporal Bitting’s dad, Stephen Bitting, placed his son’s Marine Corps flag in the display at the 8/13/08 Supervisors meeting and then on 9/10/08 mom, Robin was able to do the honors.  Corporal Bitting was welcomed home on 1/21/2009. |
| 53. Army PFC Sean Simons |  Mom, Sandy and dad, Steven place an Army flag in the display for their son Sean at the 9/10/08 Supervisors meeting. Then on 10/14/09 Sean was  welcomed home by Chairman Deon who returned his flag. |
| 54. USMC Lance Corporal Thomas Lavelle |  Mom Kathleen and dad, Thomas, Sr. place their son Tom’s Marine flag in the display at the 9/10/08 Supervisors meeting. Then on 5/13/09 Lavelle came to the Supervisors  meeting to claim his flag. |
| 55. Army Captain James Devlin |   Mom Alice received return of Lt. Devlin’s Army flag at the 9/10/08 Supervisors meeting from Chairman Komelasky. At the time Lt. Devlin recently returned from Afghanistan. Then on 10/14/09 the Army flag was placed again as Devlin went to Afghanistan for a 2nd tour.  On 10/6/10 Captain Devlin was welcomed home and his Army flag returned once again. Click on the following link for the YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSb8weQSRSk |
| 56. Army Spec 4 Matthew Godfrey, III |  Mom Madge and Dad Matt Jr. placed Godfrey’s Army flag at the 10/29/08 Supervisors meeting. Then on 8/12/09 Godfrey claimed his flag from  Supervisor Chairman Vince Deon while attending the Supervisors meeting. |
| 57. USMC Lance Cpl. Kevin Padova |   Mom, Cheryl Nash and stepfather Eric Nash along with sister Megan placed Padova’s Marine flag along with Supervisor Chairman Deon at the 2/25/09 Supervisors meeting. On 12/14/11 Kevin came to the Supervisors meeting to retrieve his flag along with mom Cheryl Nash and dad David Padova. |
| 58. USMC Lance Cpl. Jonathan Shedd |  At the 9/23/09 Supervisors meeting Paul and Joann Shedd placed a Marine flag in the display in honor of their son Jonathan who was in Iraq. |
| 59. Army Captain Kevin Loughnane |  At the 10/14/09 Supervisors meeting, an Army flag was placed in the display by Loughnane’s parents Pat and Bill Loughnane. Then on 7/28/10 Loughnane was welcomed home and his flag. returned. Click the following link for a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H7yJ3H0W_U. |
| 60. USMC Lance Cpl. Nioclas Hope |  At the 11/11/09 Supervisors meeting a Marine flag was placed in the display by Hope’s parents Terry and John Hope.
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| 61. USMC Lance Cpl. Vincent Nicolosi |  At the 3/24/10 Supervisors meeting a Marine flag was placed in the display by Nicolosi’s parents Kathy and Alfio Nicolosi. Then on 10/27/10 Nicolosi was welcomed home and his flag returned. For the video clip click on YouTube – Nicolosi and Busillo Oct 27th 2010 Northampton Patriots Flag Program.MP4  |
| 62. USMC Corporal Jonathan Gremminger |
At the 3/24/10 Supervisors meeting a Marine flag was placed in the display by Gremminger’s parents Stacy and Eric Gremminger. On 10-2-10 Corporal Gremminger was welcomed home at his house and his flag returned by Vince Deon and Pete Palestina. or a video clip click the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihMXnkaaeDo
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| 63. Navy Lt. Rebecca Short |  At the 3/24/10 Supervisors meeting a Navy flag was placed in the display by Short’s parents Ellen and Edward Short. On 9/17/10 Lt. Short was welcomed home. Click the following for the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HTP16FJl94. |
| 64. USMC Corporal Andrew Lindenbaum |  On 6/22/10 Andrew’s flag was placed in the display by mom and dad while he was in Afghanistan. Then on 7/10/10 his flag was returned to Andrew at his home by Vince Deon. For a video clip click the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIfeBPHG9Vc |
| 65. Air Force Airman 1st Class Shawn Lundy |   On 7/28/10 Shawn’s Air Force flag was placed in the display by his mom and dad Katryn and Jack. Shawn was serving in Qatar. on March 23, 2011 Shawn was welcomed home and his flag returned, For a video of this ceremony click the following link
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| 66. Army PFC Ryan Berk. |  On 9/22/10 Ryan’s Army flag was placed in the display by his parents Terri and Ken Berk. Ryan was deployed in Afghanistan. Click the following for the video YouTube – Ryan Berk Flag Placement9-22-2010.MP4 .  Ryan was welcomed home on 9/21/11. Click for the video
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| 67. Navy Lt. Pete Busillo |  On 10/27/10 the Northampton Supervisors placed a Navy flag for Busillo who was heading for Iraq on 10/31/10. Peter and his mom Pat are shown at the display with Vincent Deon. For a video clip click YouTube – Nicolosi and Busillo Oct 27th 2010 Northampton Patriots Flag Program.MP4 Then on 8/24/11 Lt. Busillo was welcomed home and his flag was returned. For the video clip click the following link
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| 68. USMC Lance Corporal Daniel Croak |  On 4/27/11 a Marine flag was placed in the display by Kathy and George Croak in honor of their son USMC Lance Corporal Daniel Croak who deployed to Afghanistan. For a video clip click the following linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yku0Y4256g0 .  A Socks for Soldiers campaign was conducted for Dan by his mom Kathy in May 2011 and concluded on 9/21/11. For the clip click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGHJs9oPI-QAt the 12/14/11 Supervisors meeting Dan’s USMC flag was returned to him via mom Kathy.  |
| 69. Army Master Sgt. Kenneth Elwell |   Sgt. Elwell was KIA in Afghanistan on July 17, 2011. His flag was placed in the display posthumously by his mother Janice on July 22, 2011. He was the second Northampton Patriot Killed in Action since the program started. |
| 70. Navy Corpsman Alexander Kozak |  On October 26, 2011 the parents of Alexander Kozak placed his Navy flag in the display while he serves in Afghanistan |
| 71. USMC Lance Corporal Ed Cotton, III |  On December 14, 2011 the parents of Edward Cotton, III placed his Marine flag in the display while he serves in Afghanistan. |
(6:43 p.m.) A Mother’s Prayer: Chris Ingle (continued from page 1)
And now ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to recognize Chris Ingle for “A Mothers Prayer”
(6:44 p.m.) Closing Commentary
Every generation has a limited few who are truly warriors in their heart. They feel — unlike many of their peers– a deep seated need, indeed a duty … to stand up and defend what we all cherish — our Freedom! They endure the physical hardships of very tough training, the emotional hardship of separation from friends and family (which is especially tough during the holidays)… and are without many of the creature comforts we all take so much for granted within the boundaries of our own homes. They do it with a single motivation deep down inside: they want to do what is right. They want a good world… a free world for everyone, and are willing to put their own lives on the line for that belief. They want a better place for their children and parents alike. The American flag is a symbol of that for them.
These young people… putting their lives on the line for their countrymen who died in the attack on America at the World Trade Center towers, for the continued freedom from terrorism for their friends, family and fellow Americans and for the freedom of the Iraqi people –who may not even really know what true freedom is… are the warriors of this generation. They may like Play Station and Rap music but they are America’s newest heroes and they should be treated as such when they return.
The biggest hazard of the war appears to be over, but there is still danger there, and will be for some period of time as peace is restored and Iraq rebuilt. Our prayers are with our troops and with God’s blessing, we wish them a safe return and thank them for putting their lives on the line for you, me, America and the World.
Let us conclude this ceremony in appropriate fashion by all of us singing, along with Megan Sexton, God Bless America.
(6:48 p.m.) Adjournment
Thank you Megan, great job today. God bless our troops, all of their families and God bless America. Thank you all for participating. Go home in peace.
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