CARIBOU, Maine — The Meo Bosse Detachment 1414 Marine Corps League recently held its annual banquet at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. The event also marked the 240th anniversary of the Marine Corps.
During the banquet Commandant Craig Fay recognized Hampy Fournier as the Detachment Marine of the Year.
“Hampy has really done an outstanding job for the league this year,” said Fay. “He has been our sergeant-at-arms, he has attended all of our meetings and is always there when he is needed. We are pleased to honor him as Detachment Marine of the Year.”
Fay, who read a letter from the National Marine Corps League commandant commemorating the Marine Corps’ birthday, said the local organization has seen growth throughout 2015 and is planning a number of events in 2016.
“We have nearly doubled our membership in 2015,” said Fay, who served as a Marine during the war in Vietnam. “We have participated in a number of events this past year including the Agri-Business Trade Fair, the Maine Potato Blossom Parade and Caribou Cares About Kids Parade, and we held a very successful fundraising event at the Caribou Performing Arts Center to benefit veterans in financial need. Our goal is to help veterans here in the County and to constantly advocate for veterans’ issues.
“As commandant of the league I have been very well served by my leadership team,” said Fay. “We have also benefited from the support of Cary Medical Center, where we hold our regular meetings. We hope to continue to build the league over the next year and we are looking for Marines throughout the County to join us in our efforts to advance the values and goals of the Marine Corps. Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Fay said that key to the success of the league over the past year has been the members of his leadership team and the support of Cary Medical Center.
Also recognized at the banquet was Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development for Cary Medical Center. Flagg was presented with the Individual Meritorious Commendation for his work with the league and his service to the veteran community. Flagg, an Associate Member of the detachment, said he was humbled and honored with the award.
“It has certainly been a privilege and an honor for me to work with the Marine Corps League and the veterans community here in Aroostook County,” said Flagg, whose father, the late Harold Flagg, was a Bronze Star recipient serving as a Marine Scout in the South Pacific during World War II.
“I am so grateful to all the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces and I will continue to do whatever I can to advance their cause,” Flagg said.
Fay also recognized Mary Row, a life member of the league, whose late partner, Meo Bosse, is the detachment’s namesake. Fay also acknowledged the support of Maine’s Congressional delegation for veterans’ issues. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins was represented at the banquet by Lorie Ireland from the senator’s office in Caribou. Rep. Bruce Poliquin was represented by Kim Rohn from his office in Presque Isle.
Marines looking for more information about the Meo Bosse Detachment 1414 should contact Craig Fay at 551-9824. The detachment holds regular meetings the third Saturday of every month at 2:00 pm in the Chan Center at Cary Medical Center.
