Photo By Sgt. Ned Johnson | Firefighters with Nassau County Firefighters’ Operation Wounded Warrior give Marines...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - The events of Sept. 11 will never be forgotten, but for a group of firefighters from Nassau County, New York, the memory leads to action.
Nassau County Firefighters’ Operation Wounded Warrior, a non-profit established in 2005 to honor the men and women fighting to defend the nation, visited Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to provide Christmas for wounded warriors on the base Dec. 4.
"The people of New York have a very strong connection to 9/11 and it means a lot to the people there to support the men and women who are still in the fight," said Thomas Smith, vice chairman of NCOWW.
The charity travels to Camp Lejeune every year to do Christmas in August, but also made the 600-mile trip to provide gifts for veterans and their families in December.
"We came down here to provide some Christmas cheer for the troops," said Mike Kushner, vice chairmen of NCOWW. "We are just a small sampling of the many in New York who want to support the troops."
As part of the trip, the firefighters were given the opportunity to visit 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division and ride in a M1A1 Abrams Tank.
"The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Bodisch volunteered his own tank and crew for the rides and it was really just a neat treat we were able to provide to say thank you for all the firefighters do for us," said Capt. Andrew Yeary, future operations officer with Wounded Warrior Battalion-East.
"We really just want to spend time with you guys, letting you know that people back home really care," said Thomas. "But the tank ride was beyond words. It was incredible."
The firefighters gave out presents from children’s toys to clothing and then shared lunch with the Marines and sailors.
The event is beneficial for the Marines beyond just the gifts.
"It’s good for the Marines to see who we fought for—these people—and what we protect and who we provide for," said Yeary.
The experience also affects the firefighters.
"This is always a humbling experience," said Kushner. "We come down here to say thank you to the troops, but they end up saying thank you to us more. I’m very inspired by the men and women who serve our country."
"It not only humbles and inspires you, it changes you," said Smith. "It is beyond words."
| Date Taken: | 12.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2016 09:56 |
| Story ID: | 187122 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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