Students' Adopt-a-Marine program earns thanks

Care packages were assembled by hundreds of students from Richboro Elementary and Middle schools to boost the morale of military personnel sent to the Middle East.   The packages containing student letters were sent to Marine squadrons deployed in February from the Willow Grove Naval Air Station.

Marine Lt. Caren Gonsiewski, a Council Rock grad, told the students "They are so excited about getting these packages, especially since they are coming from this area."

Marine Sgt. Thenard Caraballo, a military policeman at Willow Grove, answered questions from the kids concerning his Marine Corps service and what the Marine training was all about.

Northampton Supervisors Chairman Peter Palestina, a former Marine, provided some remarks (see below) and along with fellow Supervisors George Komelasky and John Long, Jr. presented plaques containing a Proclamation of Appreciation to the students. State Rep. Scott Petri, R-178, also attended the ceremonies and delivered remarks.

Andrea Mangold, a parent who helped coordinate the event, said she got the idea for care packages while thinking of her late father, George Cifelli, also a Marine. "I knew how much he appreciated hearing from home," she said. Mangold, a PTO president at the middle school, said parents and the Lower Bucks based-Beauty Land donated items, including toilet articles, lip balm, gum, candy, hot cocoa and photos.

Supervisor John Long, Jr. read the proclamation at both ceremonies.

Below are the remarks made by Pete Palestina to the students.

"Good morning, and what a great morning it is to be here today and what a great thing it is that you are doing for some of our troops.

When Mrs. Mangold told me about the project you were undertaking and that you had selected a Marine Corps unit, I was especially touched because I am a Marine myself. I’m not in the Marines now, of course, not at my age, the beard and long hair, etc.. But there is a saying among Marines that "Once a Marine, always a Marine". And so I personally took an interest in what you are doing.

These Marines you will be writing and sending packages to are going to be very pleased and happy when they receive your items. They will be far from home, missing their family and friends, having only the company of their fellow Marines, and of course, in harms way, defending our country with valor and without question.

In this time of world danger, they are out there doing what they do best and isn’t it nice that they can receive from home the tokens of support and affection that each and every one of you will show by your project. Believe me, they’ll be there for what some of us would consider a long time, but you will brighten their day and they will appreciate it.

I can remember when I was in the service, one of the highlights of the times, especially when you are far away, were the words "Mail call". That was when you hoped that you were fortunate enough to get something from home….a letter, a card, or a package. Just a little something to let us know that we are thought of back home and that somebody cared. And you sure will be showing some Marines, you do indeed care.

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