Letter from the troops

From: Hopkins Sgt Mack
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 4:54 AM
To: Baker, Dan
Subject: Thank you

Dear Mr. Baker,
I wanted to thank you and all of the community services division
in Sumter County. All of the Marines here in Iraq greatly appreciate
all of your efforts. It's times like these that we truly realize that
it is great American Citizens like you that appreciate what we do and
are proud of the country we fight for and it's Armed Forces. Please
continue to do the work that you do. It brings a lot of joy to the
Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen who miss the country, the people,
MWSS-272 AFOPSthe family, and the friends that we fight to keep safe. Keep up the
good work!

Happy and Blessed Holidays,

Sgt Mack B Hopkins, USMC

EAF NCOIC/DET CKV
3415-030

Also click here to see a letter from John W. Riff II Cpl., USMC

VETERANS MEMORIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY

To see a dream become a reality is a cherished memory. On
February 20, 2006, led by Dan Baker, Veteran Services Manager,
the Sumter County Veterans Memorial Park Dedication Ceremony
was enjoyed by many residents, veterans, spouses of veterans,
students, and visiting dignitaries. The event was planned to
commemorate the remodeling of the memorial park and the
installation of the second order of bricks engraved to honor
individual veterans. The entire front courtyard was redesigned
and the first and second orders of bricks were placed in the
beautifully crafted display. The contrasting star accents were
added to create what is now a shinning tribute to the veterans
who served so bravely. A special flag presentation was made
by Sergeant David Gustafson. Petty Officer Bailey Cassels talked
about his service in Iraq. Senator Carey Baker spoke to the
audience of well over 150 while a Memorial Wreath was
presented. Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite spoke, of the
importance of memorials such as ours, and encouraged the
attendees to share our heritage with our young, so they will
never forget the sacrifices that have been made so that they
may be free. Linda Burnette graced everyone with an a cappella
rendition of the National Anthem and God Bless America. The
Sumter Volunteer Honor Guard provided everyone with a gun
salute, and “Taps” was played. Thank you to the South Sumter
High School NJROTC for color guard duties. A special thank you to
Carl Johnson, for creating the sand sculpture of the flag raising
at Iwo-Jima. Above all, the spirit of unending sacrifice given by
so many was felt by all who attended.

Immediately following the Veterans Memorial Dedication
Ceremony, Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite hosted a Medal
and Commemorative Medallion Ceremony to honor some of the
veterans living in Sumter County.

Congresswoman Brown-Waite commissioned for the
commemorative medallions to go to the veterans from the
World War II and Vietnam wars. This was one way to honor our
men who served.

Receiving Commemorative Medallions for service in World War II
were Roland Bressette, George Buhmeyer, John Fortier,
Kenneth Hard, Jack Kress, Lloyd Kurrasch, William Lynn,
Anthony Mazzeo, John Pullo, Lynn Row Sr., Timothy Sullivan,
and Walter Woodward.

Receiving Commemorative Medallions for service in Vietnam were
George Allfrey, Dan Baker, Fred Brooks, Eugene Carrington,
Ronald Christiansen, Jeffrey Conkwright, Ross Cowles, William Crane,
Robert Gillespie, Charles Houser, LTC. Wrightson Lewis, Patrick Milroy,
Richard Nardiello, Harold Oakley, Jack Paxton, Floyd Pontius,
Joseph Schott, James Sparks, Frances Thibeault, Robert West.

Medals were received by Joseph Crivello, James Gavaghan,
Donald McTique, Gerald Moore, Harold Oakley, and Jack Paxton.