Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger has been to Washington, D.C., more times than he can count. He s given nine congressional testimonies, and for nearly 24 years he’s been the tip of the spear for survivors of the water contamination crisis that occurred at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987.
THE BEGINNING
Ensminger’s motivation is his late daughter Janey, his only child born, conceived or carried at Camp Lejeune.
In 1983, Janey was diagnosed with leukemia at 6 years old. By then, base officials had been notified of contaminated water by multiple lab tests dating back to 1980.
URASOE, OKINAWA, JAPAN
U.S. Marines with the III Marine Expeditionary Force and members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 15th Brigade bands came together April 16 to perform the annual spring concert at Tedako Hall in Urasoe.
Due to COVID-19 mitigation policies, the spring concert was performed virtually. Only a limited number of Tedako Hall employees were able to attend the concert. Fortunately, the concert was recorded and will debut on social media platforms within the coming weeks. “Despite it being a virtual concert, it still represents our dedication to upholding our annual traditions and partnership.” U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Michael Stanley, the III MEF band master
Wicked Local
PLYMOUTH – Local veterans honored Mayflower II’s World War II roots last week as Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation) opened for the new season.
Veterans who donated service medals and memorabilia to the ship’s new bronze bell took turns ringing it Saturday morning aboard the replica of the ship that carried the Pilgrims from England in 1620.
“There is a common bond between veterans and the Pilgrims in that the men and women of our military take an oath and do not know where they will serve or what dangers they may face in the name of freedom,” Denis Russell, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1822, said before giving the bell a clang.