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Day For A Vet
August 2, 2009 started out as an average day except ECCL was having
a flag raising and was presenting a M1 Garand to a vet. At least that
is how it started.
The flag raising was very nice with a boy scout troop doing the honors
of raising the United States flag and a "Missing in Action"
flag. A honor guard from the VFW from Sandusky was present which gave
a great patriotic feeling to the proceedings.
Then things changed as a M1 Garand was presented to a Marine that was hurt two years ago in Iraq defending the United States against terrorism. The young fellows name is Dan Priestly and he was a Gunnery Sergeant on patrol when his group was hit. His Hum V was hit with an explosive device. Several of his people lost their lives or were wounded and he was given the last rights as he was that critical.
He was very appreciative when he received the M1 and at the same time very humble. As the day proceeded and I got to talk to and listen to this American hero I realized that I was standing next to an outstanding person.
He was set up at the 25 yard range to zero in the M1. His 1st two shots were dead center in the target. His wife was then convinced to shoot a 22 caliber rifle as she had never shot a rifle and she even shot the AR15 and put all shots on target. He was than set up at the 200 yard and proceeded to sight in the M1. All shots were on paper.
This young fellow has been through, if I remember correctly, twenty-five operations and will have several more on his left leg. As he walked he would step on a stone and it would give and you could see the pain in his face, but not a word was said. The same happened when he lay down to shoot prone and the sun seemed to sap the strength from him. His comment when asked was "I'm not the same as I was".
Thank you Dan Priestly for serving and it is an honor to know you!
Bernie Bong
