O'Connell Oil & Convenience Plus and Proforma Printing & Promotions have teamed up to support The Daniel H. Petithory Memorial Fund. A limited special military beanie teddy bear will be available at O'Connell Convenience Plus locations to raise funds for the scholarship. All profits from the sale will go the scholarship.
Petithory, 32, was killed in Afghanistan the morning of Dec. 5 after a U.S. bomb missed its target and struck U.S. troops and anti-Taliban fighters. Staff Sgt. Brian C. Posser, 28, of Frazier Park, Calif., and 39-year-old Master Sgt. Jefferson D. Davis of Watauga, Tenn., were also killed during the "friendly fire" incident, which left 19 U.S. troops injured.
Keith Bona, owner of Proforma Printing and Promotions in North Adams wanted to give more than an individual check. "I know O'Connell Oil has been a great contributor to local events and benefits," said Bona. "I asked them if they would be interested in selling these in their stores to help raise funds for Petithory's scholarship, especially since they have a popular location in Petithory's home town of Cheshire. They were all for it. I also need to thank Kathy Mancini of North Adams for volunteering her time assembling the different pieces on five hundred bears.
"We hear about the war everyday but Petithory’s tragedy really hit home," he added. "It seems the victims of September 11th will finally receive some well due donations from several large national funds set up for that event. Unfortunately the soldiers that died fighting that cause will receive a small compensation from the military. Even though I don't know his family, this is my way of saying thank you to Sgt. Petithory for giving the most honorable thing one can give to defend freedom - his life. His memory deserves to live on, and a scholarship fund will pass on to future students who hopefully will understand what Sgt. Petithory did."
"Sergeant Petithory’s family has set up a scholarship, which is one way for people to remember the cause he died for," said Roger Brissette of O'Connell Oil. "O'Connell Oil has supported hundreds of benefits over the years, and this fund deserves as much attention. With an O'connell location in Cheshire, we know many of our customers are close to his family. We hope patrons support this memorial fund through donations or by purchasing a bear from our stores. It was a very emotional moment for all of us when Sergeant Petithory's mother first saw the bears, followed by a big hug."
The eight inch fluffy beanie bear wears a camouflage US Army Special Forces jacket, a green beret, and a dog tag with Sgt. Petithory’s picture and description, and retails for $9.95. A limited amount of the bears are available at all Convenient Plus Locations throughout Berkshire County.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
North Adams Double Murder Case Continued to March
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The case of a city man charged with killing his parents was continued to March on Monday.
Darius Hazard, 44, was scheduled for a detention hearing on Monday in Northern Berkshire District Court.
Prior to the start of the court's business, the clerk announced that Hazard's case was continued to Monday, March 2.
Hazard is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of arson in connection with the Nov. 24 fire that claimed the lives of Donald Hazard, 83, and Venture Hazard, 76.
Police say Hazard confessed to the killings and starting the fire and fled the Francis Street home where he lived with his parents.
Samuel Currence served his country in the Air Force with distinction, professionalism and unparalleled humility from 1962 to 1985, retiring as a technical sergeant. click for more
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
click for more
