Above, Sen. Owen Johnson, a founder of the South Shore Marine Detachment talks to the youngest and oldest members of the group. The South Shore Marine Detachment held a party celebrating the U.S. Marine birthday in November, and also recognized the 50th anniversary of the detachment.

The detachment was formed in December, 1955 and included now Sen. Owen Johnson, Frank Wriedt, Crispino Proto, Sam Bandarick, Arthur W. Peterson, Michael C. Moore Jr., Donald C. Graham, Roland Valero, Joseph M. Piccione, Albert W. Rebehn, Wilbur A. Legerlotz, John I. Collins, Richard P. Clift, John F. Olsen Jr., Helmer Petersen, Jim Devlin, Jay K. Willrick, John DiTuri, Robert J. McIntyre, John Arpino, Walter Beute, Fowler W. Hoernel, Mathew Wilensky, Tom Horn and Kenneth Watson.

“All good men, some now gone,” said Johnson in recalling the detachment’s honorable beginnings with Marines who had served in World War II and the Korean War.

At the event, the detachment recognized the oldest (Edward Kadlec, 85 ) and youngest (PFC Christopher Green, 21) Marines in their group, and gave a proclamation to a young Marine who just returned fromIraq, Captain Matthew Bishop of Sayville.

Oldest and youngest marine in South Shore Detachment cut the cake for the Marine's birthday. Bishop completed one tour in Iraq and was redeployed in October, 2004 just as Americans undertook a bloody battle in Fallugia. He lost 50 “buddies” in that military effort and asked that everyone at the event take a moment to remember them, and their sacrifices.

Johnson awarded Bishop with the New York State Conspicuous Cross and the New York State Medal of Merit.

“They’re still making good guys,” said Johnson. “Young Americans are still doing their job for their country and for themselves and their families.”

Sen. Owen Johnson awards Captain Matthew Bishop the NYS Conspiciuous Cross.