Our Chapter was invited by the Rev. Fr. Roger E. Sargent (Vietnam Veteran) to participate in a Memorial Day observance in Franklin NH for LCPL Jedh C. Barker, USMC, KIA -VN 1967, posthumous MOH Recipient. In fact, Barker is the only MOH recipient in the entire state of NH.
We were capably represented by NH resident members (SENE Treasurer) Kevin Farrell and Doug "P.T." Barnum. Kevin and P.T. met with the deceased's brother and sister — John W. Barker and Susan (Barker) Rilliet — and presented to them a New England Chapter Challenge Coin. It was great weather and our presence was very much appreciated. We were so proud to have been invited.
Here is a link to the Concord Monitor article about the ceremony that includes the background story from 1967: Click here. Our pictures taken on the day follow.
Monument in Franklin NH for LCPL Jedh C. Barker, USMC, KIA -VN 1967, MOH. |
Marine Honor Guard — out of Manchester NH |
LCPL Barker's brother and sister, John W. Barker and Susan Barker Rilliet at the Memorial Site. |
I only knew Denny for about 12 years. Denny joined the N.E. Chapter of the 101st around 2010. He came to us from Chapter 54 Special Forces because he needed to spend time with another Airborne group, "for more camaraderie" as he put it, as he enjoyed being with crazy people like himself. What I can say on Denny's behalf, is that he was one of the first people to offer any kind of help we needed at our cookouts or events, as well as offering to help clean up or make a donation.
Denny ran an organization known as Fishing with Warriors, this is a group that sends Veterans disabled or not or with PTSD on fishing trips from Maine rivers to Costa Rica waterways at no cost to the Veteran. Denny also worked hard for former MA Senator Scott Brown and others in the political spotlight, once again giving to help others.
Major (Ret) Denny Drewery 5th Special Forces Group (ABN) used the motto "DE OPPRESSO LIBER" which is Latin for Liberate the Oppressed. I feel this motto exemplifies Denny. Denny was a great friend to both our Chapter and myself. It was my great honor to call Denny my friend and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Sincerely,
Bob Morrissey
President, N.E. Chapter 101st ABN Div. Assoc.
AATW RLTW AASLT
Membership in the New England Chapter brings you closer socially to local comrades-in-arms and provides an opportunity for your ongoing connection to the 101st.
E-Mail us to request more information about joining our Association
or use our Application for Membership form.
Our meetings are now held at Bailey's Bar & Grille, 18 Main Street, Townsend MA.
Our next meeting is Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Bailey's at noon. We welcome members and prospective members to join us.
NOTE: The "Members Only" page was updated September 27, 2022 and the "Photos" pages were updated August 15, 2022.
On October 18, 2014, a large group of the New England Chapter members—and guests—were present at the dedication ceremony for the signage for Highway 101 in Auburn NH.
Click here for Manchester Union Leader reporting of the event.
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Fisher House Foundation |
The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. Fisher House donates "comfort homes", built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. Click here to read more about Fisher House. |
The New England Chapter of the 101st Airborne is proud to sponsor this organization.
We ask you to join us in supporting their unique and meaningful efforts.
OFFICIAL NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER Logo Merchandise
Click here for our order sheet.
TAPS: New England Eagles Who Have Soared—February 21, 2021
ARCHIVED STORIES In Memoriam -- Tony Toland
