Foxborough Purple Heart Recipient Lends a Hand to Fellow Soldiers

The Foxborough Board of Selectmen recognized Foxborough native and Afghanistan veteran Jerome Hanley for his service to the country and his efforts to help other troops overseas in a special presentation at Tuesday night’s Scelectmen’s meeting. 

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.

Foxborough Town Manager Kevin Paicos, who served in Afghanistan from 2007-08 with the Army as medical corpsman, described the importance of Hanley’s work.

“When you’re carrying 100 pounds of supplies and equipment on your back in 100 degree heat, sometimes soldiers have to choose between packing food or ammunition,” said Paicos.  “Soldiers struggle to keep their weight up. We should be very grateful to Jerome for bringing our attention to this important issue.”

The acknowledgment concluded with a donation of $1,000 by the Ames Rifle and Pistol Club to the Veteran’s Services Advisory Committee. The check was presented by club president Ira Siegal.

Hanley, a Marine Lance Corporal, returned to Foxborough in March after being injured in an insurgent attack. He sustained a broken leg and shrapnel damage to his left leg, arm, and chest.

He graduated from Foxborough High School in 2006, where he played football, lacrosse and basketball.