DAN'S PAPERS, July 2, 2010 Page 59 www.danshamptons.com
The Ultimate Sacrifice: Local Men Risked All Home Joe.” I saw it with my own eyes and read it twice. The whole route on the tiny historic island had flags of all sizes and posters with individual messages—all very touching and personal. All expressing thanks and unmeasureable pride. Concerning Jordan Haerter, just recently on a local TV newscast I watched the video of his actions that lead to his death while saving the lives of his fellow soldiers in their barracks. I watched him stand out and fire at the truck filled with explosives that ran through the check-
TJ Clemente
By T.J. Clemente The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate liberty that was first cast upon this nation by the signers of the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, during a very hot week in 1776. Shortly after that document was signed, American patriot blood began to be spilled in the fight to win the right to enforce the principals of “All men are created equal”… in their “pursuit of happiness.” The stories of the brave actions of the local Hamptons patriots assisting Washington’s retreat after his defeat in the Battle of Long Island started a long list of heroes. Just recently, another name was added to the list of those who made the ultimate sacrifice—their lives, their futures, their chance at a pursuit of happiness. Joseph Theinert, 24, a lieutenant in the 71st Cavalry Regiment for the U.S. Army, was killed in a truck bombing in Kandahar, Afghanistan. It was Theinert’s first tour of duty overseas. Theinert, whose stepfather Frank Kestler is in the Army Reserves and also served in Afghanistan, had only been stationed in Kandahar for just over a month. In 2008, Sag Harbor resident Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter, 19, a rifleman in the Marine Corps, was killed in action in Ramadi, Iraq. To date they are the only two residents of the East End to die in the post 9/11 war activity of this country. To witness the tenderness of the residents of the whole area when both caskets were returned to the home soil where the boys grew up to be brave men is something anyone who attended will never forget: flags over Route 27 held by enormous cranes; fellow classmates at South Ferry weeping and applauding for their buddy Joe. A sign right on Rt. 114 at the ferry dock on Shelter Island, simply said, “Welcome
Preparing the highway for Theiner’s return
(continued on next page)
LIGHTNING SYSTEMS We Custom design and install protection systems on all homes or buildings Call For Free Estimates Serving the East End for 40 years 10% senior citizen discount off final invoice
324-6200 • 653-6200
Robert Sullivan, President P.O. Box 5019, Quogue, NY 11959 1323431
1323919