Massachusetts Marine Corps League Outreach Highlights December 24 2013

At this holiday time, if we have had good fortune we reflect on the many good things in our lives as we gather with family and friends.  We recognize that others may need a hand or that there are some who have gone before us who should be remembered.  We feel a special bond that joins us with those who have served in our Corps, those Navy personnel who have been beside us, and the parents and families who have borne the worry and burden that comes with military service. The following stories recount the efforts of Massachusetts Marine Corps League members to acknowledge and honor the service of others.

Crossing State Lines For A Good Cause

Corporal Kevin Dubois and his Spouse, Kayla

The Ribbon Cutting at Corporal Dubois' new home (Photo by Honorable Few Commandant Dave Porter)

Concern and support for fellow Marines does not stop at the state line.  Dave Porter, Commandant of the Honorable Few Detachment #1302 of Middleton, MA and MA State Chaplain Roger Hoffman led a contingent of Massachusetts Marine Corps League members to Burrillville, RI on December 21^st to witness the culmination of the Homes for the Holidays project to benefit Corporal Kevin Dubois.

While engaged in combat operations in Helmand Province in Afghanistan, Corporal Dubois was assisting in clearing a landing zone for an inbound medevac helicopter that was coming to evacuate a wounded comrade.  While performing this task, his left foot contacted the pressure plate of a concealed IED, knocking him unconscious and causing significant injuries to his limbs and lower body.  After being evacuated on the same helicopter that he was clearing a landing zone for, Corporal Dubois endured extensive infusions of blood and multiple surgeries, ultimately coming back stateside for recovery and rehabilitation, having lost both legs below the knees.

Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to assist injured veterans with housing that can accommodate their special needs. Utilizing grants, donated funds and materials, and volunteer labor, housing is provided at no cost to the injured veteran.   Because of their commitment and effort, Corporal Dubois and  Kayla will spend Christmas in a new home, constructed to offer him maximum mobility and access.  The Massachusetts Marine Corps League is proud and humbled to be able to participate in the Key Ceremony that marks the transfer of this house to its new owners.  More information on Homes for Our Troops can be found at http://www.hfotusa.org/who_we_are.

You Are Not Forgotten.  Rest in Peace

The Combined Forces of Cape Cod Detachment #125 and New Bedford Detachment #1399 at Bourne National Cemetery

During the holidays there is often a special focus on those who have gone before us and have touched our lives in some way.   Once we put on the Eagle Globe and Anchor, we joined a special group that has deep bonds across time and locations.  Cape Cod Detachment #125 and New Bedford Detachment #1399 combined to commemorate this in a special way by purchasing and placing wreaths at the graves of Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and Navy Clergy interred in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.  Although a larger, nationwide program exists to place wreaths at graves, the detachment felt that they could more efficiently cover the Marines with a customized wreath and began this initiative.   Created on October 11, 1980 on land appropriated from Otis Air Force Base, the National Cemetery is the final resting place for veterans and family members who desire interment there.

Detachment  #125 Commandant Jim McGuire recounted that the detachment allocated funds to purchase 110 wreaths for placement at the National Cemetery.  The detachment purchased plain wreaths from a local garden center.  Dorothy Pike, a VFW Auxiliary member from Centerville, created handmade bows for each wreath.  Working from cemetery records and advance requests, the detachment members braved snow and a wind chill factor of 0 degrees to be sure that each of 110 wreaths was placed at the grave site of a Marine or Corpsman.  This is the first year for this activity.  In the future it is hoped that more wreaths will be placed, ideally for all Marines, FMF Corpsmen, and Clergy who are among the 50,000 veterans interred here.

One notable grave in the National Cemetery is that of Medal of Honor recipient Hospital Corpsman Richard David DeWert, USNR (1931–1951), a native of Taunton, MA.  Dewert was killed on April 5, 1951 while attached to 2^nd Battalion, 7^th Marines.  Despite his own wounds, Hospitalman Dewert repeatedly moved through heavy ground fire to assist wounded Marines until he was himself killed.   Hospitalman Dewert was initially interred in Korea and later moved to a National Cemetery in New York.   When the cemetery in Bourne was opened, the family requested that he be returned to his home state.  Commandant McGuire insured that Hospitalman DeWert was included in the wreath laying in recognition of his heroism in saving Marines at the risk of his own life.  All Marines have a special place in their hearts for the Navy brethren who serve beside us.

MCL Detachment #125 members Fran Fermino, Al Boragine, Forrest Thorpe, Joe Gentile, Tom Froio, Tom Kelley, Marion McGuire, Brad & Linda Hutchenrider, David Baker, Hugh Mick, Bill Creighton, Don Brenner and others were joined by MCL Detachment #1399 members Rick Seguin, Ron St. John, Tom Hebert, John Verrier and Roger Fredette in the laying of wreaths.  This is another of example of Marines taking care of their own and we are proud of the Cape Cod and New Bedford Detachments for their effort.

Massachusetts Marine Killed in Combat Operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Fairhaven, MA native Matthew Rodriquez, a Corporal stationed at Camp Pendleton and deployed to Afghanistan was killed in combat operations on December 11, 2013.  We express our sincere condolences to the Rodriquez family on their loss.  We are grateful for the courage and commitment of young Americans who go into harm’s way and appreciate Corporal Rodriquez’ sacrifice for his country.  Marines from Numerous MCL Detachments had a presence at his wake and funeral to honor one of our own.   May God bring consolation to his family.