Camp Lejeune is an expansive base near Jacksonville, NC. Marines train in every aspect of combat - including land, sea and air - from this facility. It is home to Wound Warriors Battalion -East, which is comprised of 130 marines in various stages of recovery from severe brain injuries, amputations and traumatic stress disorders.
"You all think that we've done something special for you," explained Mr. Feldstein, speaking to a group of Marines recovering at the base. "But this is really nothing compared to everything that you've done for us. This is the least we could do."
Captain Ray Baronie, Alpha Company Commander, offered his gratitude to Mr. Feldstein for creating the Eagles Program, and demonstrating leadership through altruism. "This is our home, and you've made it a lot more comfortable. We truly appreciate your support and generosity."
Lt. Colonel Tom Siebenthal, Battalion Commander, then thanked AVI/SPL (installation), ICD (programming), Marshall Furniture (custom cabinet), Triad (speakers and stands), Velodyne (sub-woofer) and LG Electronics (Blu-ray player). Crestron donated an Adagio® home theater system, CEN-IDOC interface for iPod®, TPMC-8X WiFi touchpanel and a 52-inch HD plasma. Siebenthal presented each donor with a plaque recognizing their support and dedication to the Marines.
"You didn't have to do anything. But what you did was above and beyond. We are grateful to you for thinking of us, caring about us and all that you've done for us."
Mr. Feldstein presented Lt. Colonel Siebenthal with the Crestron Eagles Program plaque. "On all other emblems the eagle faces to the right, which symbolizes power and strength," Feldstein points out. "This eagle faces left, which symbolizes compassion. Everyone has responsibility to give back to our service men and women who courageously made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and democracy. This country is a land of opportunity, but that opportunity comes with a price - which you all have paid on our behalf."
The official ribbon cutting was performed by HM3 (FMF) Dustin E. Kirby, a Navy Corpsman assigned to the battalion. Kirby received the Navy Cross when he was severely wounded in combat and performed a tracheotomy on himself in the field, then refused a stretcher and walked defiantly to the helicopter. His story of valor and courage is just one of many. Each of the Marines in the battalion has served and sacrificed. Everyone that participated in this project was impressed and forever changed by these heroes.
