U.S. Army Major James Maloney is a 12 year resident of Upton who has served in the Army / Army National Guard for over 20 years. James was deployed to Iraq from 2003 to 2004 and then again to Afghanistan for 9 months in 2011. Like many who serve, James has felt the pain of losing friends, he lost three of his buddies to the wars. James honored his three friends by rededication the building now known as “A Little Common Sense” in their memories, their names are engraved on a memorial stone just outside the store.
James is currently serving as a Casualty Assistance Officer (COA) and Casualty Notification Officer (CNO). If you are not familiar with what that involves; a CNO notifies a Family of their fallen Soldier and the CAO helps the Family cope with the loss of their Soldier, veteran or retiree. The CAO also prepares funeral arrangements, military funeral honors, and helps the Family understand its entitlements and apply for benefits. A COA / CNO are often the pillar of strength for the families of fallen soldiers. Many COAs stay in touch and support the Family for years after their soldier has fallen.
In his work as a CAO/CNO James has worked closely with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund. The programs and services offered by the Massachusetts Millitary Heroes Fund aim to provide support and assistance to bereaved family members of our local fallen heroes in a variety of ways. James has worked with 9 families since becoming a CAO/ CNA; 5 families in the past year alone. James has seen first hand how this organization helps support the families of fallen soldiers.
The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund selected James to run the Boston Marathon on their behalf because of his involvement with the organization since the beginning and because of the large amount of support he has provided families as a CAO. James hopes to raise $9,000, $1000 for every family he has worked with as a CAO/ CNO.
James says he is in OKAY shape but not running the Boston Marathon shape, so this will be a huge challenge for him but he is running for a cause he truly believes in. He humbly asks for you to consider supporting his challenge and more importantly the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund.
To find out more or to donate to his challenge go to http://www.crowdrise.com/massmhf2014bostonmarathon/fundraiser/jamesmaloney
Here is a link for more information on Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund.
Here is a related article about James and his daughter. While James was touring in Afghanistan when not dodging bombs he and his fellow soldiers worked with orphans. His daughter was involved in raising money and supplies to send to Afghanistan orphans he was working with. http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x633528333/Kids-in-Mendonl-use-elbow-grease-to-help-Afghan-orphans?img=1
UPTON DAILY 