Kerr Russell salutes Detroit Marine Week, sharing personal stories of military service

From dbusiness: “Metro Detroiters and over 700 Marines are invited to attend events planned around the city at no cost. Each day of Marine Week … will begin with reveille at 6 a.m., and close with taps at 10 p.m. ‘The United States Marine Corps is honored to share our valiant history and proud future with Detroit,’ says Captain Phillip J. Kulczewski, a Detroit native. ‘Marine Week is a great opportunity for residents to meet many of the dedicated men and women serving our country. It’s also a unique chance to experience the equipment and excitement of Marine life through family-friendly activities that highlight our honor, courage, and commitment to America.’ More than 80 activities are planned, including an opening ceremony, silent drill platoon demonstrations, interactive displays of the latest Marine Corps’ technology, vehicles and aircraft, musical performances by the Marine Corps band, Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstrations, viewing of the Marine Corps daily workouts, and a variety of community projects.”

Much of this week’s activity will be transpiring right outside Kerr Russell’s “front door” – from the Ally Center where our office is located, through Campus Martius, and into Midtown. The full schedule can be found here. We at Kerr Russell are excited to have our beautiful city serve as the backdrop for this event, and we appreciate those who serve and sacrifice on behalf of our nation. We asked our colleagues if they themselves had served in the Armed Forces or had family members who had served. Here is a sampling of some of the answers we received:

• Fred Herrmann, Member: “I was proud to serve with young Marines, and they continue to amaze me. I had nine years of service in the United States Marine Corps. My wife Melinda (Allen) Herrmann retired after 28 years in the USMC and is a Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran. I look forward to connecting with our visitors to Detroit this week and celebrating their accomplishments.”
• Angela Hincks, Receptionist: “My brother Kevin J. Lyons served in the Army from 1989-1992. He was stationed in Khalid Military City, five miles from Saudi Arabia border. We are blessed he came home safely! My father James A. Lyons served in the Navy and Coast Guard from 1963-1970 and was in the Vietnam War. He will always be my hero! I also want make special mention of my brother-in-law, Gary R. Longwell  – husband of the late (my sister) Paula Longwell (who was a legal assistant at Kerr Russell for 30 years). Gary was drafted in 1970, and he proudly served in the US Army from December 1970-September 1972. I can only imagine the anxiety he was feeling initially when he was drafted, but he was grateful for the experience, noting that he came out of the service a ‘better man.’ I’m proud of him, of his service to our country and to be his sister in law. If I could speak for Paula, I know she would say ‘I’m so proud of him and he will forever be the love of my life’. Thank you to everyone in the Armed Forces for your service!”
• Eric Lark, Member: “My father James D. Lark was a Paymaster on USS Ford County (LST-772) and served from 1955-1957. My wife Mandy Lark’s grandfather Jack C. Walts was in the United States Navy from 1942-1945 and was a PT Boat Captain (Commanding Officer) on PT Boat 144. My uncle on my mother’s side John Edward Satory was a Private in the United States Army in 1952 and was killed in Germany while on active duty.”
• Rebecca Lohr, Training and Help Desk Coordinator: “I was the only member of my generation in the family to serve in the military. My father, father-in-law, aunt and numerous uncles have a combined active service of over 50 years serving the Armed Forces, including several tours of Vietnam. Awards among them include 2 Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medals, Combat Infantry, Expert Field Medical, Parachutist and Air Assault Badges to name a few. … My son just returned from the Summer Leadership and Character Development Academy, sponsored by the United States Marine Corps, this summer (thanks to Fred Herrmann for passing on the information) and has every intention of joining the military after he graduates this year.”
• Brandy Mathie, Member: “My husband Blake A. Mathie served for 10 years in the Marines, demonstrating true patriotism through action and not words.”
• Karen Schumer, Paralegal: “I’m very proud of my nephews, Jack, who’s graduating from the Marines today, and James, serving as an army medic in the Middle East. And, of course, my son Jim, serving here at home as a police officer with the City of St. Clair Shores.”
• Shamara Thomas, Paralegal: “With over 30 years in the Navy, my uncle Howard Macon served proudly in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as a Master Sergeant. My uncle Richard Macon was in the Air Force for 15 years and was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen Red Tails Squadron. He proudly protected our men and women in the air and contributed to African-American history. Both of my sons plan to feature these family members in their school projects during next February’s Black History Month. This opportunity to investigate our family’s heritage really inspired them.”

[Image source: Marine Week]