FDNY Pipes and Drums teams up with the San Diego Firefighters Emerald Society to help a US Marine in need!

The FDNY Pipes and Drums became aware of a US Marine who lost his Bagpipes in a fire at his camp in Afghanistan. While fighting the fire a sever dust storm brewed up and forced the Marines to retreat until it subsided. In the end the Marines lost an enormous amount of property much of it personal. One of the items was a set of Hardie bagpipes that was played by a Marine Lieutenant. Pipe Major of the Cal Fire Pipe Band Charlie Martin contacted one of our members to make us aware of this situation and to see if we could help. After little discussion amongst the band members we decided that we wanted to help out in any way we could. We were put in touch with Marty Walsh a retired Philadelphia Fireman who runs operation caregiver. Marty moved out to San Diego after he retired from the PFD and became involved with SDFD ES. Marty decided to spearhead this effort and due to his hard work a set of pipes was purchased and sent to Afghanistan to the Lieutenant. We will hopefully be able to proved a picture of the Lt. playing his new pipes! It was a pleasure for the FDNY Pipes and Drums to make a monetary donation to be able to help one of our nations soldiers in a time of need as they are always ready to help us!