‘Pats forPatriots’ Tribute Sends Salem Heroes to Game on Veterans Day

The following information was submitted by Rhiannon D’Angelo:

Samantha and Paul Schuesler of Salem, pictured with SGM James Kelly (Ret.) President, Military Friends Foundation, far left, and Hugh Kiley Jr., General Manager, Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail (MBCR), far right, recently joined veterans, service members and families of the fallen for a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium. 

The Schuesler’s have a tradition of military service in their family. Paul and daughter Samantha both served in the army – Paul during the Persian Gulf War era and Samantha during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

“We are honored to stand alongside MBCR to send America’s patriots to the New England Patriots game,” said SGM James Kelly (Ret.) President, Military Friends Foundation & Iraq combat veteran.

The randomly chosen heroes traveled to the Patriots vs. Bills game aboard the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail’s (MBCR) Gold Star Memorial Coach. The train is wrapped in an American flag adorned with 137 gold stars – representing Bay State servicemen and women who gave their life in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. 

“It is a privilege for MBCR to operate this traveling memorial.  To have these veterans and their families onboard on Veterans’ Day is an absolute honor,” said MBCR General Manager Hugh J. Kiley Jr.