“Once a Marine. Always a Marine.”
“We honor that sacred trust of Marines taking care of Marines,” explained Reggie Nealy, commandant of the Villages’ Col. Philip C. DeLong Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
They also honored some of their own at Monday night’s ceremony when Nathan Pratt was named its Marine of the Year and Kathryn Scott was selected the Associate of the Year.
Pratt was cited for his “above-and-beyond” efforts following the cancellation of the League’s Toys for Tots Golf Tournament because of Hurricane Irma. He had worked with the event’s donors to ensure that the proceeds of the fund raiser would remain for the charity rather than having to be returned, said John Davies, last year’s honoree.
Scott was recognized for her work as the detachment’s adjutant as well as for her leadership at the Florida National Ceremony, prior to Memorial Day, that ensured that American flags were placed at each gravesite.
The Marines also paid tribute to Milton Frederickson, Jim Kelly, Tom Newton and Tom Upton for their extraordinary service to the Detachment and to the community.
The Detachment boasts some 190 members that also is open to other service members and has 25 associate members. Since its founding 12 years ago, the veterans have sponsored numerous charitable initiatives. Its Helping Hands and Rose programs help underwrite travel and accommodations’ assistance for families who cannot afford to be with their wounded and other active duty family members when they are patients at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Tampa.
“In addition, we also have purchased specialized playground equipment for students with disabilities at the Lake Hill School, in Howey-in-the Hills. This includes swings adapted for a wheelchair,” continued Nealy. “In addition, the Detachment had provided computers with state-of-the-art technology that gives non-verbal children or those without the use of their arms the ability to communicate.”
After the ceremony, Pratt was heartily congratulated by his peers.
“I really was very surprised, and deeply honored,” he said. “This award is not given out lightly. Like past years’ recipients, I will wear this medal with pride.”