By:Karenlyn Barone
"My heart went out to her," said DeMichael, 67, who works as an administrative assistant to Legislator John Ciotti during the day.
What DeMichael learned was that Clayton's base in Iraq had been destroyed by mortar fire and they had lost all their supplies.
"When I heard that, I knew I had to do something," said DeMichael.
What she did was approach the owner of Angelina's, Joseph Magnatto and ask if she could collect donations for the platoon at the restaurant. He gave his blessings and with a little help from a notice in the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald, "Operation Love" was launched. In no time at all, more than 30 boxes of supplies were collected for the platoon.
On October 17, with Clayton just arrived home from Iraq, his family hosted a party at Angelina's in his honor, and to thank all their friends and family for lending their support.
"Isn't this great?" gushed Pamela, thrilled to have her son home - safe and sound. "This dinner is to thank everyone who supported Clayton. Staying connected to home helped his morale and kept his spirits up."
Clayton, who will be stationed stateside for the next year, said; "This is a community full of true American patriots. What kept us going was good old-fashioned support from home. I am so grateful."
