Community Corner

The Patriots Step Up to 'Support Our Troops'

The Patriots organization stepped in to support a member of the Foxborough community.

The Patriots organization, and in particular, Robert Kraft, have stepped up to help a member of the Foxborough community.

Town Manager, Kevin Paicos, informed selectmen and the community this week that the Patriots have presented signed game jerseys to members of Marine Lance Cpl. Jerome Hanelys team.

Marine Lance Cpl. Hanley, a 2006 graduate of Foxborough High School, is recovering in Foxborough from wounds suffered during an attack on his unit in Afghanistan.

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The Patriots have also donated a case of protein bars to troops serving overseas. Hanley, a Purple Heart recipient, has encouraged citizens to donate food, mostly in the form of and other goods to soldiers overseas since returning home from duty.

Director of Veterans Services, Michael Johns, and a Veterans Services Advisory committee member read out loud a certificate of appreciation that recognizes the generosity of the Kraft Organization.

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The certificate read:

"Certificate of appreciation to the New England Charitable Foundation in recognition of support to combat troops in Afghanistan. In the name of purple heart recipient Lance Corpl. Jermone Hanely, United States Marine Core. The generous support is a testament of the organizations values, commitment to local citizens and dedication to our deployed service members."

The Patriots announced this week that the England Patriots Charitable Foundation is recognizing and rewarding volunteerism as apart of its 2011 season initiative. The largest volunteer organization, The United States Military, will be included in the foundation's season initiative.

"The Patriots have a history of being extremely generous to the armed services," said Paicos. "When the injury to Jerome occurred, they were the first to step up immediately to find out what they could do."

Paicos noted that even though Robert Kraft's office is filled with various celebrity memorabilia, the items that get the most prominent space are those given to him by our armed services.

"He [Kraft] is an incredible supporter of the military, [and I know this certificate will mean so much to him"], noted Paicos.


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