Southeastern Veterans Center honors Marine
The Southeastern Veterans Center welcomed a new honoree to its Hall of Fame.
On Friday, Nov. 15, a ceremony was held at the center for Mary Archey of Collegeville. Archey is a Marine Corps veteran who was honored with a spot on the wall for her dedication to volunteering with veterans.
Members of the Southeastern Veterans Center Hall of Fame have completed honorable, active duty, military service and rendered extraordinary service to our nation, the community and/or to comrades while in military service.
The ceremony began with an introduction to Archey, who in addition to serving in the Marine Corps has volunteered over 2,000 hours to date at the veterans center.
Since 2012, Archey has served as a member of SEVC’s Advisory Council, representing the Marine Corps League. Archey served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 198187, primarily working in information technology.
She continues to stay connected to her Marines roots, serving as the adjutant for the Marine Corps League, George Pron-Paul Seton Detachment and as treasurer for the Women Marine Association, PA-2 Liberty Belles Chapter.
“Mary has shared her gifts through many, many hours of volunteerism and many years within our building doing good everywhere she goes,” said Mildred Butler-Coleman, Deputy
Commandant at the Pennsylvania Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs.
“Mary has spent her time doing clerical tasks, she’s shopped for vets for special occasions, she helped with the Christmas Day party, she helped with all the other holiday events, she helped with our seasonal programs. Outside of our facility, she volunteers for Toys For Tots ... She volunteers for Mainline Animal Rescue and regularly brings her dog to do therapeutic rounds and activities so that our residents have an opportunity to reach out to an animal.”
Following remarks from several guests, Archey was welcomed to the microphone.
“When I first started volunteering here I came to a Bingo. It was as simple as that. I met the different residents and helped each one and it was one of the best experiences I think I’ve ever had,” said Archey. “Everyone had a unique story. Everyone had something different they wanted to tell. That’s what I tell people who are thinking of volunteering. Just stop for a minute and listen. They have the most amazing background and stories they want to share with you.”
Once the ceremony concluded, guests were welcomed into the nearby hallway to take a look at the new addition to the wall. With an “oorah” Archey’s plaque was unveiled alongside dozens of other etched glass plaques honoring veterans and volunteers.
“We are pleased to have Mary Archey as part of our Hall of Fame family, where she can be forever honored for her selfless service and sacrifices to our country, and to our veterans home,” said Rohan Blackwood, commandant. “It is with great pride that we walk the halls of this building, knowing that a proper tribute has been paid to so many veterans like Mary who protected our borders and preserved our freedom.”