ONCE A MARINE, ALWAYS A MARINE
Right now we have American men and women in uniform serving all over the world in all capacities. Some bear the brunt of our war on terror, while others provide humanitarian aid to people in the most God-awful places you could imagine. For many of those who serve, that desire does not stop after they are discharged. A while back I was fortunate enough to speak with a group of men who I was proud just to stand next to. These fellows were very congenial but also very humble when talking of their own deeds. The only time they became animated was when they spoke of the deeds of their comrades.
Kearny is lucky to have a detachment of the Marine Corps League stationed right here in town. They lease a house from the town located on Veterans Row and have turned it into a veritable museum of memorabilia and photographs. Commandant James J. Kelly, a combat veteran of the Battle of Hue City in Viet Nam and current leader of the local detachment was on hand during a recent weekend to answer some questions. When asked why men who have already served their country, many in combat missions overseas, wish to continue that service stateside, he responded typically with "Once a Marine, always a Marine". Asked about community service, Kelly stated "We award two scholarships annually of $500 apiece to Kearny High School seniors who have excelled scholastically and who usually have some connection to one of our members". He also explained their holiday season charity drive. "Members collect money outside of Shop-Rite and Stop-n-Shop and the money is given to local under-privileged families in the form of gift certificates for food or for toys for the children, this is different from the Marine Reserves Toys for Tots program, we are a separate entity, and we also feel that families need a decent meal as well as toys to enjoy the holidays". He also mentioned that "We are sending care packages to the troops in Iraq". These contain food items, toiletries, drinks, phone cards, sunglasses and anything else that may make the life of front line troops more comfortable.
In a cozy bar located in the building's basement, two other members, Sal Marotti and Ed Pflugi, both combat veterans of WWII, were excited to show off the many memorabilia items on the walls. Sal Marotti, the leagues "historian", pointed to a rifle on the wall. "That was taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima" he said. He was also adamant about pointing out that his friend, Ed Pflugi, "Is a winner of four battle stars, having fought on both Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and latter serving in China". Indeed, Ed's picture was on the wall in a faded page of a newspaper from 1942. Ed pointed out a Lebanese flag on the wall and said "That one is from the Marines who served there just before the barracks bombing".
The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923, though the Kearny Detachment was formed in April of 1976. It is a recognized veterans/military service organization and promotes the interests of the United States Marine Corps. They also assist veterans in a wide range of matters. Member William McDonogh explained "We work with local recruiters, talking to young men and women interested in joining the Marines". "We also run a bingo program for the Veterans Home in Menlo Park". They preserve the traditions of the Corps, and to that end are always interested in new members. Robert Gast, a longtime member, stated "We have recently singed up several members who are veterans of the Iraqi conflict". This should help insure their continuing survival.
In a time of millionaire ball players, filthy rich musicians, and spoiled actors with an ax to grind, it’s nice to know that one only has to look to our armed services to find men and women of honor and integrity.
By James J. Calautti
Kearny is lucky to have a detachment of the Marine Corps League stationed right here in town. They lease a house from the town located on Veterans Row and have turned it into a veritable museum of memorabilia and photographs. Commandant James J. Kelly, a combat veteran of the Battle of Hue City in Viet Nam and current leader of the local detachment was on hand during a recent weekend to answer some questions. When asked why men who have already served their country, many in combat missions overseas, wish to continue that service stateside, he responded typically with "Once a Marine, always a Marine". Asked about community service, Kelly stated "We award two scholarships annually of $500 apiece to Kearny High School seniors who have excelled scholastically and who usually have some connection to one of our members". He also explained their holiday season charity drive. "Members collect money outside of Shop-Rite and Stop-n-Shop and the money is given to local under-privileged families in the form of gift certificates for food or for toys for the children, this is different from the Marine Reserves Toys for Tots program, we are a separate entity, and we also feel that families need a decent meal as well as toys to enjoy the holidays". He also mentioned that "We are sending care packages to the troops in Iraq". These contain food items, toiletries, drinks, phone cards, sunglasses and anything else that may make the life of front line troops more comfortable.
In a cozy bar located in the building's basement, two other members, Sal Marotti and Ed Pflugi, both combat veterans of WWII, were excited to show off the many memorabilia items on the walls. Sal Marotti, the leagues "historian", pointed to a rifle on the wall. "That was taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima" he said. He was also adamant about pointing out that his friend, Ed Pflugi, "Is a winner of four battle stars, having fought on both Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and latter serving in China". Indeed, Ed's picture was on the wall in a faded page of a newspaper from 1942. Ed pointed out a Lebanese flag on the wall and said "That one is from the Marines who served there just before the barracks bombing".
The Marine Corps League was founded in 1923, though the Kearny Detachment was formed in April of 1976. It is a recognized veterans/military service organization and promotes the interests of the United States Marine Corps. They also assist veterans in a wide range of matters. Member William McDonogh explained "We work with local recruiters, talking to young men and women interested in joining the Marines". "We also run a bingo program for the Veterans Home in Menlo Park". They preserve the traditions of the Corps, and to that end are always interested in new members. Robert Gast, a longtime member, stated "We have recently singed up several members who are veterans of the Iraqi conflict". This should help insure their continuing survival.
In a time of millionaire ball players, filthy rich musicians, and spoiled actors with an ax to grind, it’s nice to know that one only has to look to our armed services to find men and women of honor and integrity.
By James J. Calautti
posted by James at 1:41 PM
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