Archive for May, 2006

Leathernecks,

First Off let me thank the members from Leeward Platoon & Central Platoon for going to the viewing last night and the funeral today. The family, Patrick & Mindy Rush were very grateful for the Leathernecks support. I talked to them last night & today after the funeral and they thanked us for being a big part of their sons final farewell from this earth.

A special tribute was displayed by the Zanesville Fire Department while enroute to the cemetery. They set up an aerial bridge with 2 ladder trucks trussed by an American Flag. They were all out there in their full dress uniforms as well. The family has asked that we stay in touch with them. They will obviously need the support after the reality of Benjamin’s death sinks in.

Speaking of the weather, it was a concern today but other than the gusty wind an occasional sprinkle of rain here and there, all went well until we headed west to Columbus after the funeral. The temperature dropped and we hit rain about Kirkersville (SR79). It was miserable the rest of the way home. Pokey, Bob Wilson & Sam, as well as yours truly beat feet and stepped up the pace the rest of the way home. Duke also braved the long windy ride last night and he spent the night to stay for the funeral today. Duke, you have set the bar for all of us. Semper Fi Brother, Thanks for being there.

Duke also asked me to thank everyone who participated in Dan Priestley’s Home Makeover last weekend. It was great to see everyone and everyone got a good workout Saturday. A special Thank you needs to go out to Tim DeWolf, Mark Gleba, Tony Manfredi, Brian Molina, Tony Kruman as well as all the Marines from the Leeward Platoon. They did a superb job in orchestrating this makeover and making it come to fruition. OHHH RAH!!!

I would also like to thank the 20 plus members of the Patriot Guard from several states for being there.

To wrap up Thank you to all who attended, remember the State Meeting is this Saurday at 1100 in Hebron, Ohio not the VFW in Reynoldsburg.