It has been a little less than four months since U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Colin Pascik of Monroe Township, Middlesex County, suffered devastating injuries to both of his legs while on patrol with his squad in Afghanistan’s Helmond Province.
Yet, Pascik, who will turn 21 on Nov. 17, said he is only a few weeks away from walking again with the assistance of prosthetic legs and a cane.
“I’m a pretty fast learner,” Pascik said on Nov. 6 during a special meeting of the Monroe Township Council that was held to honor him for his service to the nation.
Council President Gerald Tamburro presided over the meeting, which included moving speeches by Mayor Richard Pucci, council members, fellow Marines and members of VFW Monroe Central Post 262.
The post has established the Colin Pascik Road to Recovery Fund to help Pascik and his family pay for his medical expenses. The organization also made Pascik a lifetime member.
“I just have to tell you that this has been the most extraordinary event for me,” Tamburro said, addressing the standing-roomonly audience. “The last time I saw all of Monroe Township come together was during 9/11.
“It is unbelievable, the compassion, the [pride] that the community has,” Tamburro added. “And I think we can see that through the generous contributions we have gotten from people of all walks, all age groups and the businesses in the community.”
Pascik graduated from the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School in East Brunswick before joining the Marine Corps. While he trained with the Marines, his twin brother Clayton was training with the Navy.
It was during his first deployment in Afghanistan that Pascik tripped a pressure plate-activated IED (improvised explosive device). He has since been receiving treatment as an outpatient at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Pascik was on hand for the Nov. 6 meeting. Flanked by fellow Marines, Pascik listened as many people in the room addressed him.
“Colin, you are a perfect example of what makes America strong,” Councilman Irwin Nalitt said. “All I can wish for you is good health, to be surrounded by good friends and be in good cheer for all of the days of your life. God bless you, your brother and your family.”
Councilman Michael Leibowitz, a member of VFW Post 262 and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., said he was touched by the outpouring of support from the community, and offered his appreciation for Pascik’s sacrifice.
“It was very heartwarming to see how the entire community jumped out to help a Marine,” he said.
Leibowitz, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, provided Pascik with information on how to acquire his veteran’s benefits when he is officially designated as such. The councilman also offered Pascik his assistance, should he have any difficulty receiving those benefits.
State senator-elect Linda Greenstein offered any support she could provide through the state.
“Please call on me … at any time if there is anything I can do,” she said. “And thank you so much for what you have done for us, because this is what makes our life here so wonderful. You are a hero. Thank you.”
Perhaps the most moving part of the afternoon was provided by Pucci, who gave a speech honoring Pascik and the veterans who were on hand for the event.
“We think back on all of the wars that this great country has been through, and Colin, I want you to know that on this special day that is yours, you remind us of what a great nation we are,” Pucci said.
The mayor presented Pascik with the symbolic key to Monroe, as well as a fulltime position with the township, a plan that was devised by Pucci and Business AdministratorWayne Hamilton.
While Pascik expressed his thanks for the support that has been offered to him and his family, the Marine said he wished all disabled veterans could receive the same appreciation.
“I wish everyone got it, but not every town is good,” Pascik said.
Contributions to assist Pascik may be sent to Colin Pascik Road to Recovery Fund, 120 Monmouth Road, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. For more information, contact VFW Monroe Central Post 262 or the Monroe Township Community Center at 732-723-5000.