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NEWS&VIEWS by Jacqueline Bennett

Posts tagged “Connecticut Army National Guard

Back from Afghanistan, Commander Nolan Keynote Speaker at Ct Trees of Honor Fundraiser

Posted on October 17, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Back from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan where he commanded the 246th Engineer Detachment of the Connecticut Army National Guard, Staff Sgt. Danny Nolan served as keynote speaker October 13 at a fundraiser for the Ct Trees of Honor Memorial. The Saturday night event held at the Elks in Nolan’s hometown of Windsor, Conn. will benefit the memorial, a grove of trees planned in Middletown to honor the state’s military personnel who died in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting a global war on terror. A longtime Hartford firefighter, emotions ran high for Nolan throughout his speech which included a slide presentation beginning with Ground Zero in New York City after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the…

Windsor, CT Soldier Extends Birthday Wishes to Centenarian at Bart’s Drive-In

Posted on March 19, 2012

Story & Photo by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com Add another chapter to the storied history of Bart’s Drive-In Restaurant in Windsor, Connecticut. Hometown hero Staff Sgt. Danny Nolan on leave from duty in the war in Afghanistan, took time last week to join a 100th birthday celebration at “Bart’s” for a local woman. Serendipity was clearly at play Thursday, March 15 when Nolan took a break from visiting area schools to have lunch at Bart’s Drive-In. By chance, Nolan came upon Mary Dumont commemorating her recent February 29, milestone 100th birthday. Joined by a friend and her caregiver, Ms. Dumont’s eyes lit up when Nolan, in uniform, sat down to chat with her. “Sure, a handsome soldier comes along and forget about me. I’m just…

Dom’s Eatery in Windsor CT Supports Troops &”Pay It Forward” Project

Posted on January 21, 2012

Article & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com A benefit for the troops at Dom’s Broad Street Eatery in Windsor, Connecticut was a perfect fit for the launch of a “Pay It Forward” project put together by a Windsor soldier and local police detective. Every third Friday of the month Dom’s Eatery hosts a benefit for SEND HOMETOWN WINDSOR TO THE TROOPS from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A steady stream of patrons arrived January 20 to enjoy supper and and support SEND, a WIN-TV project coordinated by Ann Walsh. Through SEND, care boxes have been mailed to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past six years. For restaurant owner Jason DiBella the monthly benefits are an opportunity to support American troops and show…

Windsor “Walk of Light” Compelling 9/11 Tribute

Posted on September 16, 2011

Article & Photos by: Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb    Windsor, Connecticut provided a compelling tenth anniversary commemoration, recreating its award-winning tribute to the victims of 9/11, “Walk of Light.” Drawing viewers from near and far, and replicated elsewhere, for the third time since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States, nearly 3,000 luminaries inscribed with the victim’s names, decorated and personalized by local students and civic groups lined Windsor’s historic town green. In resounding voice Rev. Robert L. Littlejohn, Jr., pastor from the Pilgrim Way Baptist Church, shared moving words with the crowd gathered on the green, “America the beautiful …. We ARE a great nation……in spite of our pain and loss we must NEVER quit …. we must NEVER give in……