In 2004 when one of their own was called into service, students, staff and parents of Cardinal Cushing Centers pooled money to buy items most often requested by soldiers and then sent those items to Iraq in care packages.
Paul Piccuito, a teacher’s aide, returned from active service just as another staff member, Brian Benvie, Jr. enlisted. When he returned, his father, Brian Benvie, Sr. was called to Iraq.
It was Brian J. Benvie, Sr., command sergeant major for the 382nd Military Police Battalion, who signed a citation and sent the flag. The citation reads, “This American flag flew on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2006 over Forward Operating Base Grizzly, Iraq. It symbolizes the fighting spirit of our American Service Members. It is given to you with honor and appreciation for your support of the United States Army.”
The ceremony started with a welcome by the head of Cushing’s physical education department, Ron Sheppard.
American Legion Post 86 provided color guard and was represented by Joe Vatalaro, Jim Eisenhaur, George Hoover, Carl Vitagliano, and Sergeant in Arms, Charlie Moore. The color guard raised a new flag on the school’s flag pole with the assistance of student, Dominique Hector in a ceremony called the striking of the colors. The retired flag was ceremoniously folded in the traditional triangle with the stars on top.
Trooper Tim Grant of the Massachusetts State Police sang the national anthem and then Benvie, in Army fatigues, made a presentation of the flag from his father. This flag will not be flown, but will be kept in a flag case and left on display inside the school
Sheppard closed the ceremony by inviting parents and staff with relatives serving in the armed forces to the podium. Students then presented these family members with flowers as a gift of recognition.
Trooper Grant has been a frequent guest at Cardinal Cushing Centers for the past three years. Grant is assigned to the Disabled Persons Protection Commission of the Massachusetts State Police, the only unit of its kind in the nation.