PORT ANGELES — Tears flowed freely, mixing with a sudden downpour Sunday at a Memorial Day ceremony and groundbreaking ceremony for the Captain Joseph House, a future haven for the families of fallen American servicemen and women.
“Live every day as if you are living for those who have given their lives in service of their country,” Master Sgt. Chris Cahall told a crowd of more than 100 who turned out for the occasion.
Cahall was the team sergeant for Army Green Beret Capt. Joseph Schultz, 36, of Port Angeles, when Schultz died in action, along with Sgt. 1st Class Marty Apolinar and Staff Sgt. Aaron Blasjo, in Afghanistan on May 29, 2011 — Memorial Day, Cahall said.
The unit’s Afghani interpreter also was killed that day.
“We serve our country unconditionally,” he said.
Cahall choked up with the emotion of the memory and the moment, and praised the efforts of the Captain Joseph House Foundation.
Those who stay behind have an even harder job, he said, as they often don’t know where their soldier, sailor, airman or Marine is, what kind of danger they are in, or if they will come home, he said.
“This foundation will continue to help families adapt to a new lifestyle in an environment with other people who have seen the same changes,” he said.
Betsy Reed Schultz, Joseph Schultz’s mother, was presented with a flag in after a flag-folding ceremony performed by American Legion Post 29 veterans Jeff McFarland, Bill Hughes and Gary Velie, and American Legion Auxiliary member Jay McFarland
“This will be the first flag to fly in front of the Captain Joseph House,” Schultz said.
Part of the revisioning of the large house at 1108 S. Oak St. is putting a flagpole in the large front yard, she said.
Currently, two angled poles on the front porch display the Stars and Stripes and the Gold Star flag, awarded to immediate family members of fallen servicemen.
Schultz said she envisions the house as a place of healing and relaxation for families of fallen military men and women.
“Thank you on behalf of all those Gold Star families who will come here to be healed,” she told the many volunteers, donors and supporters in the crowd.
The rain began to fall as Port Angeles Mayor Cherie Kidd spoke of the city’s support for the effort and its welcome to the future families who will stay at the house.
“Port Angeles remembers them. Port Angeles honors them. Port Angeles respects them and Port Angeles loves them,” Kidd said.
For more information on the Captain Joseph House, phone Schultz at 360-460-7848 or visit www.
Facebook.com/CaptainJosephHouse.
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
