Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester never fail to recognize the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces – especially those who have served in combat overseas – with dignity, reverence, and gratitude. Monday, November 11, will be no exception, as the Tri-Town has a full slate of events planned.
In Marion, the Benjamin D. Cushing VFW Post 2425 will meet at 11:00 am for a one-hour service at the Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street at the Old Landing. The public is invited, and refreshments will be available afterward. This will bookend the Post’s evening celebration of its members and Ladies Auxiliary which was held last Saturday.
Meanwhile, Mattapoisett and Rochester will join together once more for festivities at Old Hammondtown School, also at 11:00 am. The program will include the posting and retiring of colors from the Mattapoisett Police Department, opening remarks from Commander Mike Lamoureux, a prayer from Chaplain Richard Langoff, performances by the Old Hammondtown School Band (directed by Emily LaFleur) and Old Hammondtown School Chorus (directed by Willow Dowling), a speech by SMSGT Daniel E. Mazzucca, USAF Ret., and George Randall’s delivery of the Gettysburg Address.
Mattapoisett’s Department of Veterans Services provided the following biography of the event’s guest of honor:
“Mazzuca was born in Beacon, New York, on April 11, 1959. After graduating from Beacon High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in January 1978. During 25 years of military service, Sergeant Mazzuca served in various locations in a variety of positions such as Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Cadet Disenrollment Branch, U.S. Air Force Academy; Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Professional Officers Course, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Superintendent AFROTC Northwest Region; Assistant Chief, Squadron Commander Assignments, HQ Air Mobility Command; Chief of the Casualty Assistance Support Team and Deputy Director, Family Support Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Sergeant Mazzuca was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, and other medals and awards.
“After retiring from the Air Force, Sergeant Mazzuca was employed as a Senior HR Business Partner for Lockheed Martin. Currently, he is employed as a Community Readiness Consultant for the Air Force providing financial and employment assistance to military members and their families of all branches of service.
“Sergeant Mazzuca has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Western New England University where he was selected as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student for Off-Campus Programs.
“Sergeant Mazzuca is married to the former Lisa Ann Costa of South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and they have two children, Nathan and Laura, both graduates of Old Rochester Regional High School. The Mazzuca family has lived in Mattapoisett for the past 10 years where they have been involved in many community organizations and local events.”
The Mattapoisett Lions Club is joining in the Veterans Day spirit by partnering with ORR’s Kim Corazzini to welcome back veterans returning from duty.
“Please ask any families whose soldiers are returning home soon or any time in the future to contact us at mattlionsclub@gmail.com so we can give them the homecoming they deserve,” President Donald Bamberger said. “In the meantime, if you see a soldier on the street or in the mall or wherever you might be, tell him or her how much you appreciate what they do.”
By Shawn Badgley
