July 30, 2009
Scouts' generosity goes the distance
By KAREN CIMMS kcimms@tnonline.com
 When Airman 1st Class Matthew Molinari, U.S.A.F. Special Operations, responded to a mail call while serving in Afghanistan last year, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, he was stunned. Waiting for him was a box measuring about 4 feet by 3 feet, weighing 64 pounds, and loaded with just about everything a serviceman stationed overseas could want or need. The care package was sent to Molinari from Boy Scout Troop 555 in Penn Forest Township. It contained not only enough items for Molinari's unit, but enough to share with another squadron. The soldiers were thrilled, as well as touched by the generosity. "It's a great feeling when you are halfway around the world and you learn that people have been putting something together for you," said Molinari.
The son of Theresa Molinari, Nesquehoning, and the late Samuel Molinari, the active duty airman will likely be deployed one or two more times. He is currently stationed in New Mexico. His connection with Troop 555 is through his sister, Bethann, who worked with one of the Scouts who has a hearing impairment. Home on leave for two weeks, Molinari paid a visit to Troop 555 Tuesday evening, to thank them for thinking of him and his fellow soldiers, and to participate in the official presentation of a flag that had flown in a plane over Afghanistan. Molinari sent the flag to the troop months ago, along with a certificate explaining that the flag was flown over Afghanistan during a "Special Operations mission," on Oct. 12, 2008, on an AC-130 SPECTRE Gunship. According to Scoutmaster Ray Attewell, the troop has sent care packages overseas before, but this was the first time it was recognized for its efforts. The troop was honored by Molinari's gift, and wished to display the items appropriately at its official home Penn Forest Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
It all fell into place as Scout Tyler McGeehan was in need of a Leadership Project, and Attewell suggested McGeehan might consider creating a display case for the flag and two certificates. The 15-year-old Jim Thorpe Area High School sophomore eagerly took on the project, and designed and built an impressive wood and glass display case. The case, outfitted with the flag, certificate, and a second document, stating the troop's proud support of the armed forces, was kept under wraps until Tuesday evening. "What a wonderful job he did," Attewell said of McGeehan. "We could not have purchased one for any amount of money as nice as the one he made."
Following the troop's Summer Court of Honor ceremony, Glen Lippincott, Pocono District Chair of the BSA Minsi Trails Council, addressed the gathering. He said typically, a representative of council would speak during the court of honor, but he asked to speak afterward, stating that as a Vietnam veteran, the troop's support of the military was something close to his heart. "I know firsthand what it's like to be far, far away from home and get a package with something that we take for granted," said Lippincott, reflecting on how good it was to receive a can of root beer back when he was stationed overseas.
He also told the Scouts that packages from home were so sought after, he and his fellow soldiers even ate every last kernel of the stale popcorn that was used to cushion the contents of their care packages.
Lippincott thanked the Scouts for what they have done to support the troops.
"Keep up the good work," he added.
Before introducing Molinari, Attewell stated that Troop 555 has been the guest of Penn Forest Fire Company No. 1 for 29 years, and welcomed fire company President Holly Rivera.
"I want to thank the Scouts for their work with the troops," said Rivera. "We have a great amount of respect for you guys. We support you 100 percent. We are so proud to have this presentation tonight. We will have a special place of honor for the flag."
After making the presentation, Molinari personally thanked the troop.
"As a serviceman, I'm always getting thanked," he began. "Tonight, I want to thank you guys."
Molinari got a laugh when he told the Scouts how stunned he was when he saw the box. "The package was big enough to fit a human being!" he exclaimed.
"All my buddies were surprised. They didn't know what I got, and didn't know I would share it with them. There was so much, we even gave some to our sister squadron.
"It was like Christmas, but there was no snow in Afghanistan at that time of year."
Molinari encouraged the Scouts to keep up the good work.
"That's what keeps us going," he added. |
