Spaghetti dinner held for John Marcum Scholarship Fund

MOUNT MORRIS TOWNSHIP John Marcum, who was 34-years-old, was shot in battle while serving as a Navy Seal in Afghanistan.

"They shot through a wall and happened to hit my brother under his bullet proof vest," said Marcum's sister, Kaylee Pierle.

Marcum died of his wounds and was awarded two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his efforts.

"He was fighting a war to make everyone in this country safe and to protect our freedom," Pierle said.

Friends and loved ones want to make sure Marcum isn't forgotten.

"When John got killed in Afghanistan, we said we've got to do something to keep his memory alive. We came up with the idea of having a scholarship fund, said Flushing Moose Lodge administrator, Bob Porn.

Last year, the Flushing Moose Lodge hosted a spaghetti dinner and more than 220 people attended. The proceeds created a $1,000 scholarship, which was awarded to a Flushing High School senior from his alma mater.

"We hope to keep this scholarship fund going for years and years," Porn said.

Marcum's family is thankful for those who have helped with the scholarship fund. "We're so grateful that Flushing Moose Lodge takes this on as one of their community efforts to help keep John's memory alive," Pierle said.

The spaghetti dinner for the John Marcum Scholarship Fund  was held Saturday from 4-8 p.m. at the Flushing Moose Lodge on North Elms Road.