When we met Hal Shaffer a few weeks ago at his home in Lower Burrell with a surprise Cake Walk from Oakmont Bakery, we knew that time was of the essence. His 14-year battle with cancer and other complications from agent orange during his service in Vietnam had ravaged his body.
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All he wanted besides that delicious blue U.S. Marine Corps themed cake was the dress blue uniform he was never able to get during his service.
Hal passed away two weeks later, his long suffering ending on Memorial Day.
Thanks to the efforts of Pennsylvania State Senator Jim Brewster, those beautiful dress blues arrived just days ahead of the funeral. That wasn't the only arrangement that came together.
Two United States Marines joined the Vandergrift Honor Guard for the burial that included a 21 gun salute. They also presented the folded flag that draped Hal's casket to his loving wife, Dee.
It was a blessing to meet Hal and share a little bit of cake with him and his family before his passing.
Sir, thank you for your service.
