Special gift for Marine’s delayed ‘welcome home’
By Diana Kuyper Special to The News-Sun February 3, 2012 8:32PM
John Gramer (left) shakes hands with Raymond Scarpelli (center) and Anna Sherony who is a board member of the Disabled Patriot Fund ad he sits in his ner car. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: April 4, 2012 1:50AM
ANTIOCH — Marine LCpl. John Daniel Gramer, wounded in Iraq in 2008, was struck speechless Thursday night when he walked into a belated homecoming celebration and received the gift of a 2012 Chevy Cruze Eco at Raymond Chevrolet.
The 23-year-old son of Amie and Ron Gramer of Gurnee never had a proper homecoming after he was severely injured by shrapnel in July 2008. He came home to recuperate, and the only welcome was from a small gathering of family and flags placed in the flower boxes. “This is really special for him. It was his official ‘welcome home’ and I think it is a bit overwhelming,” said grandmother Karin Dietmeyer. Gramer lives with her in Wadsworth and attends the College of Lake County.
“Today he received a proper homecoming,” said Anna Sharony, who was especially excited about the participation by more than three dozen flag-carrying members of Warriors’ Watch Riders, a group of veterans on motorcycles who often attend special events honoring veterans.
Sharony is a board member of the Disabled Patriot Fund. After hearing about Gramer’s medical retirement from the Marines and difficulties in comfortably driving his old car, she was determined to raise funds for a new vehicle.
“The car John currently drives is on its last wheels,” said Sharony, adding that driving causes him great pain because of permanent nerve damage.
“It is my passion to help our returning veterans. There are so many who need our help. It is my mission to take care of our heroes one at a time,” said Sharony.
She started this project in September and found five sponsors to fund the vehicle after she secured a discounted price from Raymond Chevrolet.
Sponsors included Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, Disabled Patriot Fund, For the Fallen, Midland National Life Insurance Company and SIGMA Financial Corporation.
“I am so thankful for the welcome home and amazed at the gift of a new car,” said Gramer. “I had no idea so many people would be here tonight; and although I knew I would receive a car, I certainly didn’t expect this kind of generosity.”
Gramer walked into a dealership filled with family, friends and a contingent from Warriors’ Watch Riders, who were given 24 hours notice about the pending surprise ceremony. “We need to show these young kids someone cares and appreciates them,” said Bob Abrams, assistant state coordinator of the group. Some of the members drove two hours to attend the welcome home ceremony. “We are honored to be here.”
Ron Gramer said the gift and the belated but enthusiastic welcome home is a great morale-booster for his son, who enlisted at 18 and intended make the Marines his career. “He came home a shell of his former self, but once he accepted his permanent leg injury, he started planning a new future,” said Gramer. “He is working toward a college degree to teach history, and he is active in his church, working with the youth group there. He’s come a long way.”
Paul Neurauter, representing the dealership, is a Vietnam vet, and researched vehicle choices to fit Gramer’s needs for ample leg room and comfort. “This particular car was chosen especially for John. It needed to have plenty of leg room for his injured leg and power equipment to make driving easier for him. This fit the bill.”
Ray Scarpelli Sr., owner of Raymond Chevrolet, said he has been especially blessed and providing the car at cost didn’t require a second thought when asked by Sharony. “When asked you step up. That is what we do. I could not think of a more deserving person to help.”
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