It seems like the subject of Iwo Jima has come up quite a bit lately here in Central Arkansas, and they say things happen in “threes”. First, Young Marine SgtMaj Sara Stovall visited Iwo Jima and said it was the trip of a lifetime; 2nd the NW Arkansas detachment received a U.S. flag flown over the US Marine Corps Memorial (the statue of the flag raising over Iwo Jima); and now, #3, the topic of this post.
Yesterday, I received a call that there was a Marine Veteran in the hospital here in Central Arkansas who was feeling down and could use a visit from another Marine. No other information was available. I was, of course, more than happy to respond.
Today I had the honor of meeting and visiting with that Marine Veteran who served in the Pacific and fought the battles of Tinian, Sipan and Iwo Jima. Mr. Roland Coleman is currently in a rehab hospital undergoing therapy after breaking a hip last week in his home. His daughter, Debbie, was there at the hospital during our visit. Mr. Coleman has a long road to full recovery and the family will need some help. I had a great visit with Mr. Coleman. He is wonderful man with a great demeanor.
Mr. Coleman’s daughter shared with me that her father refused the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he received on Iwo Jima. Her uncle has started the process to get that medal awarded from the Department of Defense. I asked her to pass my contact information along to her uncle for the purpose of joining in his efforts to get this Marine the award(s) he so greatly deserves.
I call on all Marine Corps League members in the area to join with me (as their schedule’s allow) in visiting with this Iwo Jima hero and keeping his spirits high. For security/privacy reasons, details will not be posted online. You can contact me at 501-733-2592 or email me at drdubois@gmail.com for more info.
Semper Fidelis!
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David R. Dubois
Judge Advocate
Marine Corps League, Department of Arkansas