Donors pull together to help local soldier’s unit
COSHOCTON – Seventy U.S. Army troops will be able to get their combat spurs thanks to the fundraising efforts of Bob McCormick.
McCormick, who now lives in Florida, but is originally from Coshocton, was asked to work on the project by his son 1SG Jason McCormick. Jason is serving in Afghanistan with the Bravo Troop, 3/89 Cav, 4th Brigade 10th Mountain Div. from Fort Polk in Louisiana.
Bob said Jason has 143 soldiers serving under him and it is the first time for 70 of them to be in combat and that is why they are receiving their spurs, which they normally would have to pay for themselves.
“I went to family, friends and organizations that I’m a member of,” Bob said. “Some gave me $5, some gave me $10 and some gave me $100. One guy even gave me $150 because he is a combat scout himself and is now a retired detective.”
The spurs are $12 a pair and Bob raised enough money to cover the tax and shipping.
“It all came together and everyone that donated will get a personal thank you note and picture of the guys,” he said. “Military people help military people.”
Jason has been in the Army 16 ½ years now and has served in the Iraq and Afghanistan area multiple times.
“He’s always taking care of his troops and the McCormick family came together to help him raise money for this project.”
Jason is scheduled to return home from Afghanistan this summer and then will relocate to Purdue University to take on a ROTC position.
“I’m very proud of my son and everything he’s done to help keep us safe over there,” Bob said. “He’s done his time plus some.”
Jason is a 1998 graduate of Coshocton High School and his mother is Christa Walsh of Coshocton.
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places