HANSCOM AFB, Mass.– Hanscom FCU and the Red Sox Class A affiliate, Lowell Spinners, honored US Army veteran Joseph H Dussault at a home game against the West Virginia Black Bears. Dussault was nominated by his granddaughter, Lori Lang, for the 2015 Heroes Among Us program.
Dussault got the all-star treatment at LeLacheur Park, including an introduction at a pre-game ceremony and a ceremonial opening pitch, and a luxury suite for 10 with passes to the Gator Pit barbecue area.
“He would be embarrassed to know I submitted this request,” Lang wrote in her application. “He is a very humble man. With that said, I think you would be hard pressed to find a more deserving candidate.”
Dussault served in the United States Army for over 20 years as a combat medic, in Korea as well as two tours in Vietnam. He earned both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. But it is his tireless work on behalf of his fellow veterans that makes him a true hero.
For the last 44 years, Dussault has shown his commitment to Lowell area veterans. He spearheaded numerous monument dedications and square dedications in the city, as well as countless ceremonies to honor fallen comrades. He served as Commander of the Retired Armed Forces, Post Commander of VFW Post 662, and Commander of the Lowell Veterans Council. Many local and state veterans groups count on him as an active member.
Now an active 81-year-old, Dussault sums up his dedication this way. "Veterans and their families are my priority because they gave up so much when they served our country."
Separately, several hundred people gathered in Natick, Mass. to dedicate a street to U.S. Army Major General Harold J Greene. Newly renamed General Greene Avenue, formerly Kansas Street, leads to the Natick Soldiers Systems Center (NSSC), a US Army installation once commanded by Gen. Greene.
Immediately following the dedication, Hanscom FCU unveiled a memorial near the entrance to NSCC.
“I am honored to count myself among those who knew General Greene,” said Hanscom FCU Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta. “With this memorial, we hope to preserve the memory of this great soldier and leader.”
The memorial is a traditional battlefield cross set in front of a landscaped rock retaining wall, flanked by stone benches donated by the Natick Veterans Relief Fund. The base of the cross is inscribed with Gen. Greene’s name, years of birth and death, his title and years served at NSSC, and the description “A Soldier’s Soldier Who Truly Served His Nation With Honor.”
At right, top, Joseph Dussault. At right, from left, Hanscom FCU Director John Delcore; Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta; Dr. Susan G. Myers, Ph.D., Gen. Greene's wife; and Hanscom FCU President/CEO David Sprague at the memorial dedication ceremony.