Thank you, Don Cherry!

SooToday.com received the following note from faithful reader May Adshead, outreach coordinator for the Sault Ste. Marie Military Family Support Group, regarding a special presentation made to Don Cherry during his visit this week to Sault Ste. Marie.

*************************** Most people were lined up for autographs from Don Cherry, but there was one group that wanted to be at the new Don Cherry's to make a presentation to him.

The SSM Military Family Support Group, and Chuck and Ruth Vernelli wanted to shake Don Cherry's hand and give him a gift to say "thank you" on behalf of the Canadian troops and the fallen soldiers.

After standing in line for hours, they were able to do just that and it was well worth the wait.

Mr. and Mrs. Vernelli, parents of Master Corporal Scott Vernelli, who was killed in Afghanistan in March 2009 by an IED while serving with the Canadian Forces, tied it all together by showing Don Cherry a picture of their hockey son in his younger years, another of when he played hockey as a young man and another picture in his Canadian Forces uniform.

Don Cherry appreciated the gesture and asked if he could keep the pictures to which the Vernellis said "absolutely." Thank you, Don Cherry.

- May Adshead.

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