The Hagel-Kerrey Lodge will honor the service and sacrifice of an earlier generation of warriors as it serves and supports a new generation. The lodge will be named for U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel and former U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey.

Senators Hagel and Kerrey served our country with distinction in combat operations during the Vietnam War. Senator Kerrey was awarded the Medal of Honor and both men were awarded Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in combat. Both went on to develop distinguished careers in the private and public sectors. And both know that the welfare of our military families is of vital importance to our country.

The Dunham Chapel will honor the service and sacrifice of Corporal Jason L. Dunham,
USMC. This young Marine from New York was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for saving the lives of his fellow Marines by giving up his own. The chapel will represent the retreat's spiritual center, providing visitors with a beautiful place to worship and find peace.

Corporal Jason L. Dunham was born on 10 November 1981 in Scio, New York. The date may seem insignificant to those who don't know its history. The ones who do know its significance celebrate this day - faithfully - each year. November 10th is the United States Marine Corps birthday... a birthday that Jason Dunham shares.

Corporal Jason L. Dunham was 22 years old when he left us. He came from the small town of Scio (sigh-oh) population 1900. It's the kind of town where everyone knows your name... where values and respect still mean something. It was here, along a winding country road filled with rolling-meadows, and a swift moving creek, that Jason L. Dunham was brought into this world.

On April 14, 2004, 3 days after Easter Sunday, Corporal Dunham was manning a checkpoint in Karabilah, Iraq, when an insurgent leapt from his car and began choking Corporal Dunham. A scuffle ensued as two Marines approached to help. Reportedly, the last words from Corporal Dunham were, "No, No. Watch his hand." Suddenly, the insurgent dropped a grenade. Corporal Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, dropped to the ground, and covered the explosive as best he could.

The blast seriously wounded all 3 Marines. Eight days later, Corporal Jason L. Dunham died at Bethesda Naval Hospital from wounds he received in the incident. He was 22.

Corporal Dunham made the ultimate sacrifice, and in doing so saved the lives of his fellow Marines. Due to his actions on that fateful day, Corporal Dunham has been awarded the Medal of Honor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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