WWII Vet Frank passed away suddenly last Saturday Jul 31. There was a lot more to Frank than many of us knew.

His obituary appeared in today’s Daily Local Newspaper.

Francis J. ‘Frank’ McDermott of West Chester
Francis J. “Frank” McDermott, 84 of West Chester, passed away July 31, 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane McDermott (McKniff), with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, April 10, 1926, he was the son of the late Francis A. McDermott and Anna Mahon McDermott.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army 70th Tank Battalion in the European Theater during World War II.

He was a dedicated member of the Chester County Victory Movement http://americansheepdogs.com/

Frank received a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s University. He began his teaching career at St. Elizabeth’s High School and retired in 1988 after 33 years of teaching high school in Delaware. He coached football, basketball, and directed the theater program.

He was a lifelong, avid fisherman.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sisters, Rita of Cherry Hill, N.J., Anne Clark (Bob) of Bowie, Md., and Marie of Madison, Wis.; proud father of sons, Frank of Athens, Ohio, Paul (Pam) of Tucson, Ariz., and John (Mary Jane) of Landenberg; daughters, Marianne (Ken Cattell) of Downingtown, Kathy of Mystic Island, N.J., and Sue (Tom Hitchner) of Mullica Hill, N.J.; and by nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was predeceased by his sister, Helen McBride; and brother, Joseph.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mass at noon Thursday, Aug. 5, at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380. Interment is private. Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5 at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home Inc., 410 N. Church St., West Chester, PA 19380, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the St. Martins Ministries, Benedictine Sisters, 14259 Benedictine Lane, Ridgley, MD 21660.

I have very tough and sad news to relay. Our WWII vet, Frank McDermott, passed away yesterday afternoon (Saturday 7/31) at the hospital. Frank was probably our most loyal and most beloved sheepdog. For over 2 years he never missed a rally, even on the coldest days, in freezing rain or wind, he would show up on his scooter and take his spot on the corner.

Frank loved the troops, past and present, and would often get misty-eyed talking about the ones that didn’t come home. He always had 2 American flags on his scooter and he loved to hold the bright yellow “God Bless Our Troops” sign. Last Saturday, 7/24, Frank was very upbeat, his surgery was a few days away and he was ready to face danger once again. His daughter, Mary Ann was at the rally and took a lot of pictures of her dad doing what he loved to do.

Despite not having his legs, we all looked at Frank as a giant man. He stood head and shoulders above most of us in so many ways. Always positive, always smiling and friendly to all who said hello. I can never remember Frank ever being in a bad mood. He was a most humble man too. He was very gracious and modest when a stranger would thank him for his service during WWII.

On the coldest days, I would say, “Frank are you sure you can be here today?” And his answer was soft and clear, “This is the least I can do for our boys.” He never complained about anything, ever. We talk about honor and dignity and quiet strength and Frank exemplified all those qualities every week for us. Humility was his trademark. Always good-natured. He truly loved his country and our rallies became a major part of his life.

Frank’s best friend at our rallies is Nick. Nick likes to wear a military uniform in honor of the troops. Nick always brought Frank a coffee and would stand right next to Frank at every rally. They were inseparable. Very close friends. I was talking with Nick yesterday and he said, “I loved Frank, I loved our conversations. Frank gave me a lot of good advice.”
Yesterday Nick brought a card to the rally and we all signed it. All of us were anticipating Frank to recover and return to his favorite spot on the corner. Nick took the card to Frank’s house and left the card on the door.

I believe he was 83 years old. His wife Mickey is making arrangements and when I find out about the viewing and services, I will let everyone know.

Ironically, Frank’s great-grandson was born yesterday, in the same hospital, just 3 floors below. He was born a couple hours before Frank passed. His name is Jonas, he will be forever linked to his great-grandpa, an American hero.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his family.

Frank was truly a great man and loved all of us. As Nick said, “I know he’s in heaven.”

This is the statue located on Ft Dix. Its called “The Ultimate Weapon” – an Army Infantryman running towards the enemy.

One of the benefits of being retired military is being able to visit military bases. I spent a few days hanging out with our troops last week.

One morning at breakfast, a soldier was next to me in uniform. I asked him where he was from, he said, “Texas”, I said, “I was stationed in Texas for a little while, I loved it.” He smiled and said, “It’s the best country in the world”. I asked him how long he had been in the Army and he said “14 years” and I asked if he was “coming or going” (to or from Iraq/Afghanistan) – he told me he recently returned from Afghanistan and had just arrived at Ft Dix to begin a 3-year tour, training soldiers. I said, “That’s great, you deserve some stateside duty.”

Then he said something that surprised me, he said, “I’d rather be in Afghanistan.” and I said, “Why would you say that? Why would you prefer to be there instead of here?” And he said, “The Kids” and I thought he meant the Afghan children, I said, “Are the Taliban killing the Afghan children?” and he said, “No, I meant ‘the kids’, our young guys.”
His answer gave me a chill. This soldier is 32 years old (he looked very young to me) and he wants to be in Afghanistan so he can lead and guide and watch the backs of our young soldiers, his kids. It just gets to me.

I say all the time, “If you’ve ever been on any kind of sports team, you know what having a teammate is like, you know what team-spirit is. They have your back, you can count on them.” Well, take that feeling of comaraderie and mulitply it by a thousand. That’s the kind of support you get from a fellow soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine. There is no stronger bond. These teammates will give their lives for you. And this 32-year old Army sergeant, proud of his home state of Texas, proved that all over again.

I took pictures of our troops in the gym and at the club. One of them was a Navy officer, a reservist. I asked him what his job was, he said, “I’m a doctor, a surgeon, I’m going to Afghanistan soon.” I said, “Thank you for taking care of our troops.” And he said he would also be able to provide medical services to Afghan troops and do some humanitarian operations on Afghan civilians and children too. It gives you a lump in your throat to know how good and decent our troops are, and how much they care about being good ambassadors of the US.

I could see them training, marching in pairs, through worn paths around fields and woods, carrying large heavy packs on their backs in the middle of these hot days, getting ready to go into harm’s way, where the temperature will be well over 100 degrees every day.

Our troops ARE heroes. OUR TROOPS GIVE UP THEIR TODAYS SO THAT WE CAN ENJOY OUR TOMORROWS.

In Downingtown, PA, on Chestnut St, across from the Victory Brewing Company is a beautiful park, built to memorialize two brothers who died during World War II.   All you have to do is read the plaque.  It’s speaks more than we can say. 

The words on the stone grips your attention.

 and slowly you notice the details. 

 I guess James and Dominic had a pet dog.  The dog stands guard at this place of honor for his friends that never came back to play.

He holds a basket of flowers in sorrow and tribute.

This is the ultimate sacrifice made by one of many American families so that the rest of us could enjoy our lives in freedom.

We must not waste it.

 This park gives us a chance to sit and reflect on these two boys and their mother and father. It gives us a chance to say a prayer of thanks and remembrance.  I left a flag next to the stone.  This is an appropriate thing to do. Take time to visit a memorial near you, pay your respects, and decorate it with a flag.

The Sheepdogs helped to welcome home a local soldier.  Army 1st Lt John-Paul Snook returned from Afghanistan on Good Friday for some well-deserved leave.  He received A Hero’s Welcome at the Phila Airport and got a motorcycle escort from the patriotic bikers of the Warriors Watch Riders.

John-Paul said, “I can’t believe all this was just for me, I wish all our troops could get a welcome home like this.”

Neighbors and his sisters Alice and Christy surround their big brother at the airport.

The Warriors Watch Riders do a great job, they get local and state police to lead the way and keep the escort moving.

The bikers, family, and friends formed a receiving line to greet John-Paul when he arrived at the Philadelphia Airport.

Here’s JP with his grandmother Alice and his grandfather Bob (a West Point graduate).

His proud mother Maureen, his father John, and his brother Walter (a freshman at Princeton, in the Army ROTC, hopes to go to Army Ranger school and infantry).

Special thanks to the West Chester Fire Department for providing their truck and ladder to hang the giant flag.

Lt Snook will be returning to Afghanistan after his 2 weeks leave. We are proud and grateful for his service.

God bless you JP, we sleep in peace because men and women like you are willing to risk everything you have to protect us 24/7.

Here’s the photo of our check presentation on the campus of West Chester University in front of Phillips Memorial Hall.  We raised $2000 at our fundraiser at the Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown for the statue of Mike Horrocks which will be dedicated at the WCU Football Stadium on Sept 11, 2010.

WCU President Greg Weisenstein told us, “College kids need role models. This statue will be a way for all our students, especially the football team, to remember that Mike Horrocks, a WCU football player, was a hero.”

In the photo are Athletic Director Dr Edward Matejkovic, President Greg Weisenstein, me, and Steve Grabicki(representing PA State Senator Andy Dinniman).  Photo was taken by WCU photographer Bob Williams.  

Here’s the story of how Mike’s teammates from West Chester University are raising money to honor their quarterback and leader from 1981 -1984.

Back Channels: A lasting tribute to 9/11 victim
West Chester University alumnus to get statue.
by Kevin Ferris of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Mar 14, 2010

Spend any time with the people who knew Michael Horrocks when he played football for West Chester University and you’re going to hear about the Delaware game. A lot.

Powerhouse Delaware vs. longtime rival West Chester – usually a good day for Blue Hens fans. In fact, Delaware had a 15-game winning streak against the Rams when the teams met for the season opener in 1983.

Mike was in his third year, the starting quarterback. His friend Rick Ulrich was also in the backfield that day, and he remembers the Rams initially taking Delaware by surprise.

“We got ahead pretty quickly, and by a large margin, 31-7 or 31-10,” Ulrich says. “But they slowly figured out how to stop us. Little by little they put points on the board.”

A late interception sealed the deal. Rams won, 35-27 – something that hadn’t happened since 1956 (the teams didn’t meet every year). The record-setting quarterback went on to lead his team to a 7-3 season.

“He was disciplined, on and off the field,” Ulrich says. “When he set his mind to doing something, he worked every day diligently to make that happen.”

One thing he set his mind to, and talked about often while at West Chester, was being a pilot. After graduation in 1985, he – of course – made it happen. First as a pilot and flight instructor while a Marine Corps officer. After the service, he flew for United Airlines. Along the way he and his wife, Miriam, had two children, Christa and Michael, and they settled in Glen Mills.

Mike, 38, was the first officer on United Flight 175, which crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001.

Now, on the next Sept. 11 – 27 years and a day since the Delaware game – his teammates will lead the school as well as family and friends in honoring Mike. At the season home opener against Edinboro, they will dedicate a statue of the cool, disciplined young man who led and inspired them.

The team wanted to show No. 14 in action, the classic quarterback pose of one arm extended, the other back and ready to launch the ball, eyes downfield, searching for a receiver. And that’s exactly what sculptor Brian Hanlon of Toms River, N.J., has in the works.

It will be set just off a path at the northwest corner of West Chester’s John A. Farrell Stadium, with Mike facing the gridiron. The football team will pass the statue at every home game as it makes its way from the athletic center to the field.

There had been talk of a tribute at West Chester since 2001, but vague plans began to crystallize two years ago, when Mike’s former teammates approached the school. Honors to alumni and other valued members of the university community are a natural part of school life. Plaques are hung, trees planted, buildings and classrooms renamed, scholarships endowed.

Mike’s teammates wanted a statue, which for this campus would be a one-of-a-kind tribute. (There’s the ram statue, but none of a person.)

Joe Walsh, who played center for West Chester in the early ’80s, acknowledges that Mike’s reaction to a statue would likely have been, “What the hell is that?” But, given the kind of man he was, how the football fraternity still feels about him, and how he died, the team believes strongly this is the way to go.

“Nothing short of a full statue could do Mike honor,” Walsh said. “Put a plaque on a wall and people will walk right by it. Hang it outside the locker room and then the community won’t see it.”

University officials from the athletic department to the president’s office were happy to help but skeptical. They assumed the expense and time-consuming fund-raising efforts needed to pull the project off would perhaps steer the well-intentioned teammates to a more modest tribute.

Not when a guy like Mike is your inspiration. You set a lofty goal, and then work diligently every day to make it happen.

They are indeed making it happen. The initial fund-raising target was $100,000, half for the statue and half for an annual football scholarship. They’ve raised about $68,000, so the statue is covered. They have six months to raise the remaining $32,000 for the scholarship fund, though Walsh is pushing hard for an initial fund of $100,000.

They’ve held two large dinners, organized Super Bowl and March Madness pools, and there was even a last-minute gathering at Victory Brewery Co. in Downingtown last weekend that raised $2,000. Teammates push each other for contributions, both financial and material. The landscaping and stonework around the statue, as well as the crane that sets it in place, will also be donated.

And it’s not just teammates.

“Anyone affiliated with West Chester football is trying to get involved,” Ulrich says. “Guys who didn’t know him, who maybe read about him, or just saw him play. They want to jump in and help. Their heart and soul is into the project.”

If you’d like to jump in and help, send checks payable to the WCU Foundation, Box 541, West Chester, Pa. 19381, or call 610-436-2868 to donate by credit card.

Late last night, about 50 people from the Warriors Watch Riders, A Hero’s Welcome, Moms4RMarines, and Sheepdogs went to Philadelphia Airport to welcome home the final 6 Marines from Folsom, PA.  It’s always a touching moment to see the mother and child reunions.  These local heroes spent 6 months in Iraq and then volunteered to extend their time in harm’s way by going to Afghanistan to help train Afghans.  We love them and are proud of all they do for us.

Below, the Bridge Company B commanding officer, Major Jerry Kleber, who came home a couple days ago, spoke and thanked us for taking time out on a late Friday night to come and honor his fellow Marines.

We are happy to do it, we are forever grateful for what you sacrifice for us and for helping oppressed people gain freedom around the world.  Thanks to you Jerry for leading them and thanks to God for bringing all 150 of you back home, and none wounded either.

Thank You Troops!  Thank You Military Families!

More Marines from Bridge Company B in Folsom, PA returned home from harm’s way.  These local Marines spent 7 months in Iraq and then volunteered for 3 more months in Afghanistan.  Several patriotic bikers from the Warriors Watch Riders, Leathernecks, Second Brigade, and others gave them a motorcycle escort from the Philadelphia Airport.  A Hero’s Welcome and Sheepdogs joined the families and formed a giant flag line to give them the “Welcome Home” they deserve.

The wives were very happy to see their husbands.  Above is Jean, she hugs her husband Jerry, he is the company commander.  Happily, Jerry’s unit suffered zero casualties during their dual deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The families were very emotional, lots of smiles and tears of joy.

It was a beautiful day to come out and show public support for these heroes. We are grateful and proud to let them know that while they were away, doing the job that must be done, they were not alone.

Welcome Home Marines of Bridge Company B! 

 Thank You and Thank You Marine families!

A packed house at the Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown enjoyed a delicious meal and heard motivating testimonies from West Chester University guests and friends. It was a huge success.  Everyone had a terrific time and we raised $2000 for the Mike Horrocks Statue and Scholarship.

Joe Walsh was Mike’s teammate. Joe was the center and Mike was the quarterback.  He told us a few stories of how Mike led the team, time after time to victory.  He talked about the tremendous hurt that he and all his teammates feel about the way Mike was taken from us by Islamic terrorists on Sept 11, 2001.  When Joe spoke, his eyes filled up and the audience was captivated by his words.  He thanked us for helping to raise the money they need to get the life-size statue of Mike erected next to the West Chester University Football Stadium. 

PA State Rep Curt Schroder and Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Welsh shared their thoughts of what the statue will mean for the university and community.

The Rams Head Coach, Bill Zwaan gave a great speech about how hard Mike’s teammates have worked to make this dream a reality.  He said, “Nobody thought a bunch of football players would really be able to get a life-size statue  built, but these guys overcame all the odds, they have made it happen.”   He also spoke about what the statue will mean to the West Chester University football team.  He said, “I will make sure our players never forget Mike Horrocks.”

WCU’s Athletic Director Dr Edward Matejkovic gave a terrific speech and invited us to be at the first home game this year, on Sept 11, 2010 – so that we can witness the unveiling of the statue.

Everyone had a good time, the Victory Brewery Hall is perfect because it is decorated with patriotic posters from WWII and has a quote from Theodore Roosevelt saluting our military along the top of the walls.

We had 3 active duty military there.  Below is Matt, he’s been in for 15 years, started out as a Marine for 5 years and has been in the Army National Guard ever since. He recently returned from Iraq.  Also we had Jon Kromer, an Army Combat Medic, back from 15 months in Afghanistan and Ava is in the Air Force.  Many of the attendees were Military family members. 

(will add more pictures later)

The total cost for the statue and scholarship is over $100,000.  They still need about $35,000. We will do all we can to help these teammates of Mike Horrocks get the ball over the goal line.  

We will make a formal presentation of our check at the president’s office at West Chester University on Mar 23rd. 

Anyone interested in making a donation can call 484-947-5173.

UPDATE – 8 tickets still remain for tonight’s dinner, if you want to attend, please call 484-947-5173.

On Sunday, March 7th, the Sheepdogs will have a banquet to raise money for West Chester University football player Mike Horrock’s memorial and scholarship.  Here are the details.

What:    Mike Horrocks Fundraiser
Where: Victory Brewing Company
                420 Acorn Lane
                Downingtown, PA 19335
When:   Sunday Mar 7th, from 5PM till 8PM.
Cost:      Tickets are $30 each and are payable at the door
Menu:    7-course buffet (BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Roast Beef Sandwiches, Red Pepper Medley, Wings, Brewery Pretzel Bites, Assorted Pizza, Garden Salad)
Bar:       Cash Bar – all attendees will receive 2 beer tickets to get Victory draft beer at a discount of $3/pint instead of the normal $4.50/pint.

Special guests include: Bill Zwaan (Head Coach, West Chester University Football), Dr Edward Matejkovic (WCU Athletic Director), Paul and Miriam Isenberg and their children (teammate of Mike, wife of Mike and their 4 kids), Dick Yoder (Marine, former West Chester Mayor, Player, Coach, and Athletic Director at WCU), Sheriff Bunny Welsh (Chester County Sheriff and President of PA Sheriff Association), Curt Schroder (PA State Rep), and Andy Dinniman (PA State Senator).

Below is part of the post I wrote about Mike last September.

A couple weeks ago I learned about a special event that was being planned for 9/11/09.  The West Chester University Football Alumni was hosting a dinner to remember their teammate - Mike Horrocks.  Mike was the starting quarterback for 3 seasons (1981-1984).  In his first start, as a sophomore, he led the team to a major upset over heavily favored Delaware 35-27.  He ended up with an outstanding college football career, beloved by his teammates for his leadership and heart.  After college he went into the Marines and became a pilot.  After the Marines he became a commercial airline pilot – for United Airlines.  He was the co-pilot of Flight 175 which was the 2nd plane to hit the World Trade Center Towers.  He was 38 years old.  His teammate Joe Walsh said, “He was the very best we had, the best of all of us, he was our leader.” 

The Phila Daily News had a nice article.

Former teammates honor their fallen leader: A statue for Mike Horrocks, pilot of Flight 175

 by Dick Jerardi.

THE FIRST GAME that Michael Horrocks started at quarterback for West Chester was Sept. 10, 1983. It was at Delaware. The Blue Hens were expected to win big. West Chester won, 35-27.

His teammates never forgot how cool the quarterback was that day and every day. After they all graduated from West Chester and went their separate ways, the teammates got on with their lives. Some stayed local, became lawyers or went into business. Others chose a different path.

Horrocks went into the Marines. Became a first lieutenant on the way to captain. Went to flight school and flew in a squadron of KC-130 tankers. After he left the service, Horrocks became a pilot for United Airlines.    Click HERE to read the rest of it.

If anyone is interested in attending the fundraising banquet at the Victory Brewing Company on Sunday March 7 – please call 484-947-5173.