Photo by Ken Odor
American Legion 13th District Commander Tom Bishop plays taps to bring the Tuesday Goochland American Legion Veterans Day service on the Goochland Courthouse Green to a close.

Goochland honors its veterans
BY KEN ODOR

Nov 12, 2008

Combat veteran speaks at annual courthouse service

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Andrew J. McNaulty spoke at the Goochland American Legion Veterans Day Service on the courthouse green Tuesday.

He told the crowd of about 75 of the battle for Fallujah in Iraq in 2004, when he led K Company of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines to help retake the city.

“I know this is the type of veteran and warrior I would like my grandchildren to serve under,” said Joe Wadle, 2nd Vice Commander of Post 215 as he introduced McNaulty. “We must always raise warriors,” he said.

McNaulty’s command suffered dead and wounded in the battle for Fallujah, which was precipitated by the murder of four civilian contractors earlier in 2004.

“I cannot forget,” said McNaulty.

McNaulty recalled Veterans Day 2004: Two of the Marines under his command were wounded that day in the conflict. The day before he lost the first Marine in his company had been killed in battle. Many other losses would follow before the battle was finally won.

When it was over the company had won two Navy Crosses, one Silver Star, 13 Bronze Stars and numerous Purple Hearts.

McNaulty, a Naval Academy graduate, is now commander of Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Richmond.

Earlier in the ceremony Post 215 Commander Floyd Callihan said the service was for those who have given their lives in the defense of the nation, “They gave up two lives, the one they were living and the one the one they would have lived,” said Callihan.

The Goochland High School Band provided patriotic music for the occasion, and Shirley Netherland and Shirley Callihan of the Post 215 Auxiliary laid a wreath at the Veterans Memorial.

District 13 Commander Tom Bishop played Taps to end the solemn ceremony.

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