A rousing send off for two newly activated Marines

By Marie Coady

September 11th was a defining moment for all Americans. It altered the future for many young men and women who signed on to military reserves units. These young men and women were well aware when they signed on they could be called to active duty at a moment's notice and are ready, willing and able to serve. But that doesn't free us all of the responsibility to honor their commitment and send them off with our full support.

This past Thursday afternoon, as members of the Woburn High School Band belted out the Marine Hymn in true military style, the gravity of why everyone had gathered at the Cummings Properties office at 200 West Cummings Park overwhelmed the occasion. Up till that moment, fellow employees and friends of Eric Anderson and Mark Dumelle had been having a fine time roasting them with a rousing send off party.

Everyone wanted the occasion to be a special one for the two young Marines who were being called to active duty, especially Woburn's George Holland. Holland served with the Marine Corps for 25 years, and the occasion brought back bittersweet memories of a similar occasion almost 30 years ago when his friends and fellow employees of the Woburn Boy's & Girl's Club gathered around to give him a similarly rousing send off.

So Holland was the perfect messenger to convey everyone's good wishes to the young warriors. "I remember my send-off party, and it seems like only yesterday, " Holland said. "But my duties today are to say few words as a former Marine and to acknowledge Eric's and Mike's contribution to freedom and to protecting their families and ours. The attitude and enthusiasm instilled in you in the Marine Corps stays with you forever. Today we are losing 2 good employees, but gaining two great Marines."

Eric Anderson and Mike Dumelle are well aware of what is at stake in this new venture. Just two days earlier, they received an e-mail that brought the issue home. The e-mail, from a Cummings business associate, reminded the two young men exactly what their mission in today's Marine Corps would be.

"Dear Eric and Mike," it read, "While we have not had the pleasure of meeting, I want to wish you both Godspeed and thank you for the honorable mission upon which you are about to embark. I had two friends lost in the tragedy at the World Trade Center. In their names, Joe Kelley and Tim Gilbert, and on behalf of their families, I want to thank you."
Defining one's purpose and mission doesn't get much plainer than that, and no one could help but be moved by that testimony. So it was with that in mind the employees of Cummings Properties began their light-hearted send off for two of their own.

Winchester's Justin Magee acted as MC and introduced Eric and Mike saying, "You all know why we're here today. Eric Anderson and Mike Dumelle, who are from our operations department and have been with Cummings for some time are getting ready to answers their country's call, and we would like to make the send off a very pleasant one."

And a pleasant on it was, when Magee invited "General" Agresti up to get the sendoff started. Agresti donned a wide-brimmed hat that made him look like a Marine Drill sergeant and while the Woburn Band played My Country Tis of Thee, Eric and Mike threw on jackets and hats making them look like recruits.

"As you can tell, " Lagresti announced, "we have selected the uniforms of the day with great care and have some things we'd like to present that Eric and Mike can take with them on their adventure."

With that the fun began as one after the other, Eric's and Mike's fellow employees came forward with such momentoes as the Worst Case Scenario Handbook with instructions on how to control a runaway camel and cross a river infested with piranha.

Winchester's Erica Moramma presented them with an Afghanistan Survival Kit that included a world terrorism map and an Arabic phrase book, and former Marine Bob O'Connor offered them a gift certificate for unlimited R&R upon their return at the Meadows retirement home as well as full access to the pool. The custodial staff presented them with work orders for Cave 29 and Cave 50 at Tora Bora Park. But amid all the levity, the solemnity of the occasion was not lost on anyone.

When it came George Holland's time to make his presentation to Eric and Mike, the tone turned more serious. "It's certainly is a privilege to congratulate you guys," Holland said, "as you go from part-time Marines to full time highly motivated, truly dedicated Marines. You will eat and march and shoot and fight and sleep at attention, because that's the life of a Marine. It's not going to be an easy task, but after talking to some of your co-workers it seems like you guys are ready to hop right in there and do whatever it takes. It's something very special, and I know when I go home and am talking to my kids, I'll feel a little safer knowing you guys are doing your job. So thank you and Semper Fi. "

At that moment the Woburn Band belted out the Marine Hymn and everyone seemed to know the words. There was much hugging and handshaking and everyone seemed overwhelmed by the gravity of what the future may hold for these two handsome, vibrant young men.

At that point Bill Cummings took center stage to add his good wishes. "I think the most significant thing here is that everyone in this room appreciates what you're doing." Cummings said. "We have a terrible atrocity that happened on September 11, but mankind has always defined itself in terms of war. Since Julius Caesar, each century has been defined by a warrior and a battleground. But there has never been a time when a more just war or a stronger reason to defend our country has arisen. We want you both to know that we appreciate what you are sacrificing for us. God Bless Eric and Mike, and God Bless America."

After a rousing chorus of God Bless America, Mike Dumelle offered his thoughts: "Ten years ago I was watching CNN with my dad, and I remember looking at him and seeing a tear coming from his eye. And this is a man who served in Vietnam. So I asked, why are you getting upset and he said: I'm just so overwhelmed with happiness that the country is supporting the troops and welcoming them home. So I thank you today. Eric and I may end up in Camp Lejune twiddling our thumbs, but there's a lot of men and women who are in harm's way and you should keep them in your thoughts and prayers."

Mike Dumelle is originally from Long Island and leaves behind his mother, father and a sister. But most significantly he leaves behind a fianc‚ and canceled wedding plans. Mike and his fianc‚ Carrie were all set to be married on July 21, 2002, but those plans are on hold at the moment.

When it was Eric Anderson's turn he said: "I don't know what to say except, thank you so much for this is great send off. I'd heard rumors there was going to be something, but this exceeds expectations, and I'm grateful. I know this is a lot more than about us going away, but I'm looking forward to this adventure and think I will look back on it with favorable memories."

Eric will be saying good-bye to his parents and 3 sisters when he leaves for Camp Lejune in a few days. And his girlfriend, Karri Chrsitensen, will be putting her emotions on hold for awhile and supporting him. As will we all.

Everyone would also like to thank the members of the Woburn High School Band, Paul Muise, Jr., President , Joseph Demers, Chris Kessarris and Roddy Marchessault for making Eric's and Mike's sendoff a very special one.