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JOHN E. USALIS

SUBJECT: 'Hometown Heroes' honors community, military heroes

DATE: 07/02/2005

By John E. Usalis

Editor

ashland@newsitem.com

FRACKVILLE - In the years following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Frackville area community has come together to honor those who serve to protect and preserve the citizens and property, either on a voluntary or paid basis. This year was no different, with the "Hometown Heroes Appreciation Day" being held last Sunday at the Whippoorwill Dam near Frackville.

Sponsored by the Frackville Business and Professional Association (FBPA), the event also honors hometown active-duty military personnel, with a special ceremony honoring U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Scott D. Hauslyak, who has been recuperating at home after being injured in Iraq in May.

Firefighters, police officers and emergency medical personnel are invited to attend the event, have some fun, eat lots of food and just enjoy the day, all free of charge. This year, the event was held at the grove, its use donated by the South End Field and Stream Association.

Back by popular demand were the team competitions, with trophies and prizes being awarded to the winners of tug-of- war, horseshoes, volleyball and other activities. The "heroes'" children were also involved in a fishing competition, as well as other children's games to win prizes.

"This is called 'Hometown Heroes,' and today we're honoring a hero who will be receiving a Purple Heart for his service overseas," said Michael J. O'Connor, who chaired the event.

Pennsylvania Attorneys O'Connor then presented Hauslyak with a plaque. Two other active-duty Frackville servicemen stood nearby during the presentation - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Keck, who is stationed at Fort Indiantown Gap, and Sgt. Stephen Barrett of Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 1st Detachment Alpha Battery 213th ADA Battalion, Pottsville. Keck and Barrett were also recognized for their service.

Hauslyak's parents, Bruce and Sharon Hauslyak, also received gifts.

"I think this is pretty neat. It's the first time I heard about it," said Hauslyak.

The plaque reads: "Frackville Business and Professional Association proudly recognizes L/Cpl. Scott Hauslyak, USMC, as Frackville's Own 'Hometown Hero.' June 26, 2005."

O'Connor said the event is unique in the area. The idea to honor local volunteers was brought up by O'Connor at an FBPA meeting about a year before 9/11. The 2001 attack got the idea moving forward.

"I think it's the only one in the area that honors both the volunteers who help our hometowns to keep them safe and also those who are serving in the military," said O'Connor. "We're hoping that other towns catch onto this idea. As you can see today, everybody really appreciates the work that goes into this. We had so many businesses that donated, and every year it's getting better."

O'Connor expressed his thanks to the field and stream association for donating the use of the grove. He also thanked the Borough of Frackville for its help in various ways.

FBPA Margaret K. "Peg" Gerrity thanked the law firm of Michael J. O'Connor and Associates for its efforts in doing so much of the work to make the day a success.

"You never have to worry because the crew at Michael O'Connor's do such a wonderful job. It just went as smooth as ever," said Gerrity. "The thing that's amazing is that the letters went out two weeks ago - really late this time - and the checks and donations came in. People support this program. It's like gravy now. It's just easy to do."

Gerrity said donations in cash and other items were over $1,000 in value.

"We're especially proud that a lot of Frackville citizens came today to honor our volunteers," said Gerrity. "Our volunteers in our community are a big asset to us. The advent of 9/11 brought to light how much the volunteers in our community mean to us. We also recognize their families because of the time the volunteers spend away from them to serve the community. We thank you. We're very proud of you. We salute you and if you need any help, let us know."

The tug-of-war event brought out the competitive spirit in the members of the fire companies - Good Will Hose Company of Frackville, Friendship Fire Company of Englewood, Butler Township, and Altamont Fire Company, Altamont, West Mahanoy Township. Also participating were Hauslyak, his father, who is a Navy veteran, and Keck.

Cheering on her son and husband was Sharon, who found the day an interesting experience.

"This is the first time I've been here. This is fun," said Sharon Hauslyak. "It's nice that they do this."

The following business and organizations helped sponsor the event:

FBPA, Frackville Borough, Sharon Shriner/State Farm Insurance, Miners Safe Deposit Bank, Roman's Lounge and Catering, Michael J. O'Connor and Associates, John Malinchok Insurance Agency, Pizza Place, Bill Moser-General/electrical contractor, Broad Mountain Family Dentistry, Kreitzer Sanitation, M&T Bank, Pampered Pets, Thomas Sosar, RPT; Just 4 Fun, Suglia's Pizza, Subway, David D. Paul, DDS; Goal Line Financial Group, Boyer's Food Market, New York Bakery, T-102 FM, Frantz Printing, South End Field and Stream Association and Delrose Awards.

The personal injury lawyer at Michael J. O'Connor & Associates is ready to begin tackling your legal problem today. Email or call our toll free number at 1.800.518.4LAW for a free initial consultation and review of your case.

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