Westmoreland County Marines Corps League provides Christmas meals for needy veterans
Families of 15 Alle-Kiski Valley veterans are getting all the fixings for a Christmas dinner and gift cards because of New Kensington-area Marines.
The 13 members of the Westmoreland County Marine Corps League needed a little less than an hour on Sunday to fill grocery store baskets and make plans to deliver the ready-to-make meals loaded along with respect and appreciation.
“We're doing this for all veterans, not just Marines,” Plum resident Mary Anne Palamara said at Lower Burrell Community Market. Palamara wore the uniform from 1982-86.
“There are veterans in need all over our area who can't afford to buy a Christmas dinner. We want to help,” she said, getting nods of approval from the others.
Bill Stokes, a Freeport man who served in Vietnam, agreed: “Any veterans, those disabled or in financial need — any veteran in need — is who we want to help.”
“After all, this is what we do,” said Tony Pallatto of Oakmont. “And we're glad to do it.”
The group mostly wore red jackets with the Corps globe, anchor and eagle emblem, and red or camouflage utility “covers” or hats.
The Marines — ranging in age from a man in his mid-40s who served in the Persian Gulf War, to many in their 60s who served in Vietnam, to a pair of 80-year-old men from the Korean War era — met at noon Sunday. There, they found just the right items for the menu, handled by Cam Kulick, a retired career Marine and assistant vice commandant for the League's District 10 and local adjutant.
Last year, the detachment donated Christmas meals and money for heating expenses.
“All the money we raise goes to the food and gift cards,” Kulick said.
Community Market employee Angel Sullivan of Lower Burrell helped the group find what they needed. “I think this is pretty cool,” she said with a smile.
Customers looked curiously at the group's buggy caravan and taunting, often humorous banter that is common among servicemen.
“I understand. I'm on disability. I know what it's like. This is nice,” said Kathy Mangino of Lower Burrell.
“I think this is wonderful. I hope we come to a place in America where we are responsible” about taking care of veterans and others, said Joanne Corradene of New Kensington.
Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-226-4711 or cbiedka@tribweb.com.
