Beecher, a humble Vietnam veteran who received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star, died suddenly of cardiac arrest on April 6th of this year.
“The dedication that Dan exhibited for his country was evidenced every day in his dedication to our school,” says Joan Marie Bellotti, moderator of NHS and Department Liaison for the High Tech Language Arts Department, who reminded staff and students of the recent 70th anniversary of D-Day, the Normandy Invasion, on June 6th.
High Tech NHS presented a check to Michael Ricci, Founder and President of Operation Beachhead, and Board member Joseph Potoczniak.
Operation Beachhead started as a way to provide adventurous beach activities, such as surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, and paddle boarding, to disabled veterans before it expanded to include active duty troops, too. Entirely supported by donations and managed by volunteers, Operation Beachhead has expanded its programs and services by offering year-round activities, including winter programs, providing free services and opportunities to 225 participants. Its volunteer base has also grown tremendously, now having a group of over 200 people.
