March 27, 2023

To the Editor:

A brief but sincere Thank You to all who took part in the PFC Carlos James Rose Brunch/Vietnam Veterans Day event, wherein a Salute to Richard Arruda, Ronald Bumpus, James Crowley and Carlos Rose was presented.

The VFW Dudley L. Brown Post 2846 has hosted this event since 2008, with the assistance of Congressman Barney Frank’s office in the beginning.

I will attempt to list all the participating Vets, with apologies to any left out:

Dr. Donald Montiero, Dr. Ronald Armstead, Attorney Woody Woodard, President Spagia, Mr. Manuel Pina Jr., Mr. John Buddy Andrade, Judge Charles Andrade, Dr. John Cole, Mr. Tom Foster, -Mr. Rodney Roderick, Mr. Robert Silvia, the Hon. Ervin L. Russell, Mr. Kenneth Gilbert, Mr. Larry Johnson, Mr. Durey Felton, Mr. James “Jimmy” Bruce, Mr. Benjamin Baptiste, Albert Price and Fredrick Purrington.

Special Appreciation goes out to Sr. vic Cmdr. Anthony Mendes, Capt. Fredrick Purrington — Vietnam, SSgt. Albert Price — Afghanistan, Massachusetts Maritime Academy Cadets Honor Guard, Ocean Graphics Director Wayne Magee, Colleen Kelliher of WCTV, the Dunkin’ Vets Outreach Center Hyannis, Naomi Silva of Auxiliary 2846, All Members Post & Auxiliary 2846 veteran Minnie Roderick, Wes Cipolla of Wareham Week, Select Board members Judith Whiteside, Tricia Wurts and Alan Slavin and Ariana Smith of Sen. Marc Pacheco’s office. Smith presented citations to the families of the four honored fallen veterans.

It was a disappointment in not seeing more participation by the youth of the area, but hopefully the days going forward will involve them in acknowledging the Vietnam Veterans and the great sacrifice made by the families of these four men and all Veterans. To those adults that were unable to be involved, the time is always right to do the right thing.

On behalf of the Post
Chaplain Ervin L. “Tootsie” Russell