So when Joe Podolinsky, his friend and fellow member of South Hills Bible Chapel, contacted him for help in supplying personal items for troops in Iraq, DeMarino never hesitated.
He asked members of the church to donate items such as reading materials, puzzles, CDs, snacks and personal hygiene items. They will be delivered to the 28th Aviation Combat Brigade. Podolinsky is its command sergeant major.
Podolinsky, now in Fort Indiantown Gap, said the soldiers had a mission change and are now in Tallil, Iraq, a remote area of the country.
The attack helicopter unit was deployed near the end of April and are expected to be there until January.
DeMarino is director of facilities for the Bible chapel, but had served with the 99th Regional Readiness Command in Pittsburgh until his retirement.
The donated supplies will supplement basic necessities the military supplies.
“You get an MRE and some bug spray, but you’re not getting the nice lotion, or the football or the fly swatter,” he said.
Hundreds of fliers about collecting the comfort items were distributed, and DeMarino expects that by July 9, the last day of the collection, hundreds of shopping bags will be delivered to the church.
“I really think we’re going to see a mountain here. We’re going to cover this desk,” he said in the foyer of the chapel where items were being placed.
Items can be dropped off at the church at 300 Gallery Drive until 5 p.m. weekdays or at service times on the weekend.
For a complete listing of what is being collected, visit the chapel’s Web site at www.biblechapel.org and or call 724-941-8990.