Local Marine thankful for community support
Lance Cpl. Brandon Wehrle shares a laugh with his sister, Britney, and Dave Puchi of Canonsburg at Elks Lodge 846 in Canonsburg during a picnic Saturday. Members of the lodge organized a donation drive to send items to Brandon’s battalion in Afghanistan and upon his return hosted a party for him.
Lance Cpl. Brandon Wehrle and sister Britney Wehrle cut the cake at a party to celebrate Brandon’s return home after serving in Afghanistan for seven months. The Canonsburg community gathered items to send to Brandon and his battalion to keep their spirits high.
Lance Cpl. Brandon Wehrle talks to his former high school teacher Rick Bell during the party to celebrate Wehrle’s return after a seven-month tour in Afghanistan. Bell and others in the community sent items through the Boxes for Brandon’s Battalion drive organized by Elks Lodge 846 to Brandon and his battalion while he was serving.
CANONSBURG – After a seven-month tour in Afghanistan, Lance Cpl. Brandon Wehrle couldn’t wait to return home to Canonsburg. While he was eager to see his parents and siblings, Wehrle also wanted to thank the members of his community that sent countless items to his battalion overseas.
For the duration of Wehrle’s tour, members of Elks Lodge 846 in Canonsburg organized a donation drive to send needed items to Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
Kathy Almasy, an Elks member whose son is also a Marine, organized the project, “Boxes for Brandon’s Battalion.” She found Wehrle, 20, a 2012 Canon-McMillan graduate and North Strabane Township resident, through the Marine Corps recruiter’s office in Washington.
Almasy and Wehrle met for the first time Saturday at a picnic at the lodge. The Elks and Almasy held the event in honor of Wehrle and other veterans. Wehrle greeted Almasy with a bouquet of red roses and a hug.
“I almost cried,” Almasy said. “Brandon and my son are very alike. It wouldn’t surprise me if this isn’t the start of a lifelong bond.”
Brandon’s parents, Lisa and Brian Wehrle, agreed.
“This created a bond that will last forever,” Lisa Wehrle said.
Brandon Wehrle and his family said they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Numerous area residents and lodge members attended the picnic to meet Wehrle.
“You just don’t expect people to do this,” Brian Wehrle said of the picnic and donations. “He’s just doing his job, and Kathy – she’s just wonderful.”
Lisa and Brian Wehrle said their son is “humbled.”
“This is his hometown, and he’s so proud to be a resident,” Lisa Wehrle said.
Brandon Wehrle said his leave ends Sept. 11, when will head back to his base in California. Brian Wehrle said his son was happy to see “trees and dirt” when he arrived home.
“Everywhere he’s been, there has been sand,” he said.
Brandon Wehrle said the last seven months “meant a lot to him.”
“I’m proud to be from this town,” he said.