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Orchards at Foxcrest hosts heroes

CHESTER – Chester residents turned out in force Saturday to honor veterans, both living and departed, with solemn remembrances, patriotic colors and nostalgic music.

Army Sgt. Brian P. Marx, guest speaker at the 10th-annual “Meet Our Heroes” event at The Orchards at Foxcrest, reminded them that “veterans are the foundation we stand upon.”

“As we prepare for whatever lies ahead of us, we hear the echo of the voices of great men like these, passing on their lessons and knowledge to us. Helping us even now,” Marx said. “Everything we do is molded from the actions of our veterans.”

Sitting next to the dais from which Marx spoke were 23 veterans, or their representatives, who were the 2016 “Meet Our Heroes” honorees. Marx gave each of them a plaque as Orchards President Scott Fox called their names.

“When you look at the lives of the men we honor here today, you see the values of this country personified,” Marx said. “You see men who stood up and promised to protect us all from whatever the threat. And you see men who delivered on that promise.”

Marx, 46, of Augusta, Ga., said it’s not hyperbole to call them heroes.

“We use that term too lightly sometimes. … But I think that here it’s entirely appropriate,” he said. “Here today sits over a half-century of service above self, dedication and commitment. So as I use the word ‘hero’ today, know that I do not do so lightly.”

A veteran with five combat deployments to Afghanistan, Marx grew up in the Pleasant Hills area of New Manchester and attended Chester Junior High School. Frank’s Pastry Shop and Bruno’s Pizza were his world until he graduated from Oak Glen High School in 1988.

Marx worked in the corporate world until he decided to enlist in the Army in 2009, Fox said. “He could have entered as an officer, but that’s not what he chose to do,” Fox said.

Marx earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He currently is a liaison officer with the 75th Ranger Regiment out of Fort Benning, Ga. He and his wife, Rebecca, have three children.

Marx encouraged those in attendance to “sit down and talk – or rather listen – to a veteran. You will be better for it, I promise.”

Fox said The Orchards started “Meet Our Heroes” 10 years ago after realizing how many veterans lived at the assisted-living facility – World War I and II veterans, Korean War veterans and Vietnam veterans.

“We really have had the honor to care for them,” he said.

A moment of silence was called for prior to the awards ceremony. The Tri-State Veterans Burial Group gave the 21-gun salute, and George Allison played taps.

(Huba can be contacted at shuba@reviewonline.com)

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