Rockville Centre vet welcomed by Sandel seniors

American pride was abundant on the day when 1st Lieutenant Cody Hardenburgh of the US Marine Corps visited the Sandel Senior Center. The Senior Men’s Club, most of whom are veterans, invited Lieutenant Hardenbugh to share his experiences as leader of a platoon that served seven months in the Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Many senior center members have been following Hardenburgh’s career in the military with great interest. His mother, Kathe Hardenburgh is a much loved Program Coordinator at the center. She has openly shared her pride, her hopes and her fears over the course of his military education, through his extensive training, and finally during his deployment and promotion. Members have responded enthusiastically, praying for him, and sending letters and care packages to Hardenburgh and his troops. Many of the people who attended his recent presentation expressed the feeling that he “feels like a member of the family,” and welcomed him accordingly.