The memory of a heroic Midwood resident – and the first American fatality of the Persian Gulf War – was delivered a tall salute when boroughites teamed up at Marine Park for the 17th Annual Eugene McCarthy Memorial Run.
Hundreds of athletes converged at the emerald empire to honor the life of Major Marine Eugene McCarthy during the 5K race sponsored by his alma mater, Nazareth Regional High School.
Joining them were McCarthy’s relatives, including his brother, Dennis, plus colleagues from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
Major McCarthy volunteered for several tours of duty as a special agent with the DEA as a helicopter pilot in the jungles of Peru as part of “Operation Snowcap,” the frontline war against drugs.
Proceeds from the run will benefit the Nazareth Cares Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to families and children, who have shown their commitment to Catholic education throughout their elementary school years.
After graduating from Nazareth, 475 East 57th Street, Eugene McCarthy attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, graduating in 1977.
During his years as a marine officer, rising to the ranks of major, he took many varied paths. Trained as a Navy diver and as a paratrooper, Major McCarthy also completed the Army Ranger School.
