For many years, Spotswood residents Charlie and Dianne contributed time, energy and love to the Spotswood and East Brunswick communities. Charlie was a member of the East Brunswick Police Department for 30 years, retiring as a lieutenant. Dianne was heavily involved with the East Brunswick Golden Bears, especially with the Little Scholar Athlete program.

I am a neighbor of Charlie and Dianne and have watched as they raised three standout citizens. Their youngest child, and only son, went on to the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md., and a career with the Navy as a SEAL.

Now it is time for all of us to give back to them. Navy SEAL Justin has been diagnosed with acute lymphocyte leukemia. He needs a bone-marrow transplant and neither of his sisters are a match. He needs all of us to come out on July 15 to be matched and registered. He needs our prayers and support as he fights a battle bigger than anything he can or will face as he fights for our country.

If you know this family at all, you'll be there. If you don't know its members, you especially should be there to see what great people they are, with all they have done over the years for Spotswood and area sports.

If you think raising a flag and supporting your country is important, you, too, should be there to support Navy SEAL Justin in his search. Who knows? You just might be the one who matches.

The drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, at Spotswood High School, Summerhill Road.

Heidi Buffalino

Spotswood