Photo By Lance Cpl. Shannon Kroening | Maj. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, speaks...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Pittsburgh Penguins owner and National Hockey League Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux, with his wife Nathalie, and members of the Mario Lemieux Foundation took part in a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony at the Naval Hospital aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 2015. The Mario Lemieux Foundation was created in 1993 after Mario was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. The Lemieux Foundation is an organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research and patient care, as well as the creation of the Austin’s Playroom project.
The project builds playrooms in hospitals for children to enjoy and relax during stressful situations. Another one of Austin’s Playrooms was built at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune; it is the third of its kind on a military installation and 32nd built overall. The inspiration for Austin’s Playroom comes from the Lemieux’s personal experience after the birth of their son Austin, who spent the first couple months of his life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after being born prematurely.
“Mario and I are so happy to open this new military playroom here on Lejeune,” said Nathalie Lemieux. “It is an honor to be able to serve those who serve and defend this nation.”
The new playroom will serve more than 75,000 active duty Marines and sailors, along with their families, wounded warriors, and prior-service veterans.
“When you see the smiles on the children’s faces and the look of excitement, it makes it all worth it,” Mr. Lemieux said. “My wife and I look forward to opening more in the future.”
After the ceremony the Lemieux family was given a demonstration of 2nd Marine Division’s artillery capabilities at a training zone for mortar and artillery exercises at Camp Lejeune. The family was then educated by Marines from 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment on their weapons’ capabilities and how the Marines conduct their jobs to ensure mission success.
“I am glad to see that this nation is in capable hands,” Mario said. “The Marines and all the branches of service protect this nation, and I am glad that I can give back in any way I can.”
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2015 21:19 |
| Story ID: | 179558 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 234 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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