Post by richardkelsey on Aug 1, 2007 10:25:17 GMT -5
From the transcript:
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0801/Front_Page/003.html
The Cpl. Reynolds detachment has been a shining light of community service since it's inception. It is a great gem in Freehold.
Marine's retirement comes to mom's home
Cpl. Reynolds unit organizes special ceremony
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
CLARE MARIE CELANO Kathleen "Cally" Chesney (seated) was pleased to be able to witness a re-enactment of the retirement ceremony held for her son, U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) Andrew D. Chesney.
The backyard of the Freehold Manor was transformed into a patriotic setting on July 28 for the benefit of two people - resident Kathleen "Cally" Chesney and her son, U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) Andrew D. Chesney, 38.
Bedecked with red, white and blue streamers and several American flags, the parking lot and grassy areas of the residential health-care facility on Broad Street, Freehold Borough, hosted a re-enactment of Chesney's retirement ceremony from the Marine Corps that took place at Camp Le Jeune, N.C., on April 27.
Cally Chesney, 68, who has lived at the Freehold Manor since she had a stroke about four years ago, was not able to attend her son's retirement ceremony in North Carolina, so Marines from the Cpl. Phillip A. Reynolds Detachment Marine Corps League, Freehold, brought the ceremony to her.
During her residency at the Freehold Manor, Chesney has made friends with a group of former Marines who come to play bingo with the residents, according to Vicky Jameson, who manages the home.
When Chesney told the bingo-playing former Marines about the ceremony she had missed, the men set the wheels in motion that eventually allowed Chesney to see her son retire from the service.
With support from Freehold Manor owners Myrna Young, Senen Cabalfin and Fernando Omus, plus Jameson and the former Marines, the re-enactment ceremony went from an idea to a reality.
"We were honored to host this ceremony for Cally and her son," Young said.
Chesney's wife, Christine, their children, Benjamin, 7, and Samantha, 2, as well as several of Cally's sisters were also on hand to enjoy the event which brought World War II, Korea and Vietnam Marine veterans to the facility under the guidance of Craig Reeling, commandant of the detachment.
Also participating in the ceremony was Al Gonzalez, a retired New York City police officer who brought along the music of Chesney's Scottish heritage.
"We always have the bagpipes at any special occasion like weddings and parties," Chesney said. "It's a tradition."
Gonzalez played the Marines Hymn as the band of Marines marched in formation with colorful flags honoring Chesney and his efforts over the last 20 years.
Former Marine Phillip Della Torre read from the original document presented to Chesney announcing his retirement. The document acknowledged his "long and dedicated service" and stated that his distinguished service will have a "lasting influence and has earned you a legion of friends and fellow Marines who wish you well in the coming years."
The document also acknowledged the contributions of Chesney's family over the years of his service to the nation.
After reading the document, Gonzalez graced the audience with renditions of "America the Beautiful," "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy." As Gonzalez played, Cally sang along to each song.
In an emotional moment, Chesney told the group that his mom meant everything to him.
"She gave me the gift of life and my success has been because of her support. I love you mom," he said, as he went to hug Cally.
Chesney, who started his military career right out of high school, was born in Glens Falls, N.Y. In 20 years with the Marines he was deployed to many places across the globe, including the Mediterranean Sea, Somalia and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
Right now Chesney's plans for the future include spending time with his family and enjoying his hobbies of hunting, fishing and camping.
"I will eventually have to get a job to support my hobbies, though," Chesney said laughing, but for now, "It will be nice not to have to be anywhere specific at any specific time."
newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2007/0801/Front_Page/003.html
The Cpl. Reynolds detachment has been a shining light of community service since it's inception. It is a great gem in Freehold.
Marine's retirement comes to mom's home
Cpl. Reynolds unit organizes special ceremony
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
CLARE MARIE CELANO Kathleen "Cally" Chesney (seated) was pleased to be able to witness a re-enactment of the retirement ceremony held for her son, U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) Andrew D. Chesney.
The backyard of the Freehold Manor was transformed into a patriotic setting on July 28 for the benefit of two people - resident Kathleen "Cally" Chesney and her son, U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) Andrew D. Chesney, 38.
Bedecked with red, white and blue streamers and several American flags, the parking lot and grassy areas of the residential health-care facility on Broad Street, Freehold Borough, hosted a re-enactment of Chesney's retirement ceremony from the Marine Corps that took place at Camp Le Jeune, N.C., on April 27.
Cally Chesney, 68, who has lived at the Freehold Manor since she had a stroke about four years ago, was not able to attend her son's retirement ceremony in North Carolina, so Marines from the Cpl. Phillip A. Reynolds Detachment Marine Corps League, Freehold, brought the ceremony to her.
During her residency at the Freehold Manor, Chesney has made friends with a group of former Marines who come to play bingo with the residents, according to Vicky Jameson, who manages the home.
When Chesney told the bingo-playing former Marines about the ceremony she had missed, the men set the wheels in motion that eventually allowed Chesney to see her son retire from the service.
With support from Freehold Manor owners Myrna Young, Senen Cabalfin and Fernando Omus, plus Jameson and the former Marines, the re-enactment ceremony went from an idea to a reality.
"We were honored to host this ceremony for Cally and her son," Young said.
Chesney's wife, Christine, their children, Benjamin, 7, and Samantha, 2, as well as several of Cally's sisters were also on hand to enjoy the event which brought World War II, Korea and Vietnam Marine veterans to the facility under the guidance of Craig Reeling, commandant of the detachment.
Also participating in the ceremony was Al Gonzalez, a retired New York City police officer who brought along the music of Chesney's Scottish heritage.
"We always have the bagpipes at any special occasion like weddings and parties," Chesney said. "It's a tradition."
Gonzalez played the Marines Hymn as the band of Marines marched in formation with colorful flags honoring Chesney and his efforts over the last 20 years.
Former Marine Phillip Della Torre read from the original document presented to Chesney announcing his retirement. The document acknowledged his "long and dedicated service" and stated that his distinguished service will have a "lasting influence and has earned you a legion of friends and fellow Marines who wish you well in the coming years."
The document also acknowledged the contributions of Chesney's family over the years of his service to the nation.
After reading the document, Gonzalez graced the audience with renditions of "America the Beautiful," "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy." As Gonzalez played, Cally sang along to each song.
In an emotional moment, Chesney told the group that his mom meant everything to him.
"She gave me the gift of life and my success has been because of her support. I love you mom," he said, as he went to hug Cally.
Chesney, who started his military career right out of high school, was born in Glens Falls, N.Y. In 20 years with the Marines he was deployed to many places across the globe, including the Mediterranean Sea, Somalia and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.
Right now Chesney's plans for the future include spending time with his family and enjoying his hobbies of hunting, fishing and camping.
"I will eventually have to get a job to support my hobbies, though," Chesney said laughing, but for now, "It will be nice not to have to be anywhere specific at any specific time."