Simple gesture goes long way for U.S. Army
Published on May 21st, 2008
STONEHAM, MA - For U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Richard Fortuna, even the simplest of gestures can make a big difference, especially in his line of work.
So when Dick Carter, the general manager of Stoneham's Papa Ginos store, donated a tasty pizza lunch to nearly a dozen nurses on the Friday before Mother's Day, Fortuna took notice.
The Stoneham native works at Concord's Community Based Health Care Organization (CBHCO), which is located just at the outskirts of Hanscom Air Force Base. And while Fortuna has the comfort of returning home to his family each day, those 11 nurses who serve with him do not.
"We take care of wounded soldiers when they come back from Walter Reed [or other medical facilities]," Fortuna explained. "And [Papa Ginos] was great enough to supply us with pizzas for those nurses, who are taking care of those soldiers."
"They're from all over the country and they weren't with their families for Mother's Day," the Army Sgt. added. "It was very nice of them to do what they did."
CBHCO, which falls under the U.S. Army's Medical Command, is charged with providing services to recovering soldiers, who still need outpatient services and care, but are able to be with their families.
According to Fortuna, his staff regularly cares for anywhere between 200 to 400 wounded soldiers, who are recovering from a range of injuries, such as amputations, traumatic brain injuries, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"They're primarily from the New England and New York area," the Staff Sgt. explained. "The intent of the program is for them to live with their families while they're recovering."
Stonehamites will get their own chance to thank and remember this country's servicemen and women during the annual Memorial Day Parade next Monday morning.
As usual, the day of remembrance will kick off after services at St. Patrick's Cemetery, which start at 8 a.m.
At 10 a.m., the procession, including various local and state veterans groups, as well as various other athletic and civic groups, will start winding its way down Elm Street and then onto Montvale Avenue.
After a stop at Lindenwood Cemetery, the parade will continue to Main Street and onto Central Street for ceremonies at Town Hall, slated to start at 11 p.m.
Town Clerk John Hanright, a U.S. Army veteran, will serve as the Memorial Day ceremonies Parade Marshall - look for him in the red Mustang convertible.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!