Marine Corps News Room

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Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 05/30/06
BY LARRY HIGGS
COASTAL MONMOUTH BUREAU

Lance Cpl. Jeremy Trakimowicz of Manchester walked into Red Bank Elks Lodge 233, a feat that family members said was a testament to the modest young man's will to recover from injuries he suffered in combat. Originally, he wasn't supposed to be up and walking by this point, said his father, Peter.

"He is coming along fantastically," his father said. "His therapy is going great, and his speech is better,"

Trakimowicz, 27, was severely wounded on the left side of his head when a roadside bomb detonated in Fallujah on June 24, 2005. He is assigned to the 6th Motor Transport Battalion of Red Bank.

To help with his recov-ery, the Red Bank Elks and the borough Policeman's Benevolent Association Local 39 held fundraisers, including one at the PBA ball on Friday at the Oyster Point Hotel. On Monday, they presented a $14,560 check to the young Marine.

Patrolman Mike Furlong, PBA president, said members of the local just wanted to help him.

"Whether you agree with the war or not, you've got to support these guys," Furlong said. "We're not in it for the "thank-yous.' We just wanted to help. God bless these guys who are over there. "

Jeanne Cuje, president of the Elks Ladies Auxiliary, added a $100 check on behalf of that group.

The money "is nothing compared to what you've given us," Cuje said during the ceremony. "I can only think of what wonderful veterans we have. God bless this wonderful young man."

Kessler Institute therapy

After he was wounded, Trakimowicz was taken to a military hospital in Germany and then to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland, said his sister, Tara Reilly of Neptune City. Now he is undergoing rehabilitation at the Kessler Institute in West Orange, which the military is paying for, his father said. The funds raised by the Elks and PBA are covering his other expenses.

"A lot of this stuff, the Marines are taking care of," Peter Trakimowicz said.

Elks trustee Jim Campbell, also a Marines veteran, said that is their way.

"Marines take an oath: We are — to ours — always faithful," Campbell said.

For Trakimowicz, his recovery is measured by each day and each bit of progress he makes in rehabilitation.

"I'm doing better. I feel good," he said.

His immediate focus is on what he's doing now in speech therapy, rather than plans for the future.

"All I'm thinking about is I have to do my speech," he said. "There is still a lot to do. I need to learn speech."

Trakimowicz joined the Marines after graduating from New Jersey City University with a degree in psychology and minor in philosophy. After graduation, he lived in Jersey City and Hoboken briefly before enlisting about two years ago, said Jeff Reilly, his brother-in-law.

"I always wanted to be a Marine. I thought about it when I was in college," Trakimowicz said.

His father is a Vietnam veteran and served in the Army.

"I can't say enough about what they've done for Jeremy. I am totally shocked," Peter Trakimowicz said. "What the Elks and the PBA did is amazing."

The Elks and PBA aren't done.

"This is the first installment," said Elks trustee Howard Kramer, after Donald Schlachter Jr., exalted ruler, presented the check.

Trakimowicz's smile gave away his reaction.

"It's really nice. I came inside and saw all the people, I feel really great about it," the Marine said. "Everyone's really helped out."