Congratulations Col. Dennis Arinello, USMC - Well Done Sir

This entry was posted on June 28, 2008 8:01 AM and is filed under Heroes.

JUNE 6, 2008 - Col Dennis Arinello, USMC retires from his beloved Marine Corps. Standing with his new sword, Col. Arinello is honored by hundreds. Pictured with Col Arinello is 4-Star Admiral Jonathan Greenert.

Anyone who knows Denny Arinello knows Denny always thought about his team first, ... the Corps first ... everyone else first.

 

I met Col. Dennis Arinello, USMC, when we were entertaining in Iraq in February '04. I was given an extra mission by Marines who served America during and after the Korean War. My mission was to deliver fresh ground coffee and a coffee-maker to Marines on the frontline. After our show on the steps of Saddam's Baghdad Palace, (Camp Victory,) I was standing in line in the dinning facility when I noticed a man wearing a "digital-camouflage" uniform, standing in front of me in line. I interrupted him and said, "You're a Marine!"

 

He turned to me and said, "You must be a genius contractor!"

 

I explained that I was even worse; I was the singer in the rock band that just got off stage and that I was on a mission ... a mission to deliver fresh coffee and a coffee-maker to US Marines on the frontline, from my friend Ed Bartt (USMC ret).

 

Most people might have taken that coffee and coffee-maker to their office for their own private enjoyment, but not the Marine I picked. Denny sent me home with a note and his coin, for Ed Bartt (using me as the delivery boy.)  That act of kindness from Denny to Ed, impressed Ed and his fellow retired Marines so much, that to this day ... 60 pounds of coffee, and occasionally a new coffee-maker, makes it's way to Iraq almost every month, courtesy of Ed Bartt, and his retired Marine friends.

Arinello shared the coffee with his team in Baghdad ... Army included.

Since that day in 2004, Denny have been in weekly contact, and, at time, daily contact. 

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When my cousin; Ryan J. Cantafio; USMC was KIA near Baghdad, in Nov 2004, the Col. called his team together again and made sure that our family was comforted as best as possible. It was the saddest and most beautiful funeral I have ever been to ... Col. Arinello was on the phone with my family during the day while he was still serving our country in Baghdad. He was also on the phone with the Marine team from Great Lakes to check and make sure everything was going as smooth as possible ... outside of bringing Ryan back to life, Col Arinello made sure that one of his Marines from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin was buried with honors, and he made sure that our family felt the love from the Corps.

 

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When a young Marine called me and was having serious problems after his service to America, and didn't know where to turn, I called Denny and asked him to please talk to this troubled hero. Again, he reached out to his fellow Marine and "talked him down." Denny saved a life that night.

 

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When a Gold Star mother and father from Illinois needed help with a Marine who was having issues, and happen to be married to their daughter, they reached out to me because they didn't know where to go. I, of course, called Denny, and again, a life was saved. I remember Denny saying, "they already lost one, they can't afford to lose two children."

 

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Denny Arinello was suppose to throw out the first pitch at a White Sox - Red Sox game in Chicago in September 2005. I was so excited to see my friend again and he was very excited to be honored this way. As fate would have it, a storm blew into the Gulf of Mexico and destroyed New Orleans, the city that Denny was serving at the time. Denny stayed with his team and helped the people of New Orleans, canceling his trip to Chicago. But after knowing him for 1 1/2-years, I expected nothing less. Team first, America first, The Marines First, himself last.

 

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Denny and Carleen were married August 25, 2007 on our stage before our show in Skokie, Illinois. While we were on stage honoring him, he was off with his Marines, hugging, laughing and crying with them. Over 2,000 people came to honor him and his lovely Carly, but Denny, ON HIS WEDDING DAY, ... honored his Marines first.

 

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I have learned about being part of a team and what that really means, from Col. Dennis Arinello ... Mission first .... team first ... and yourself last.

Denny, thank you for a job well ... SEMPER FI!

You are all invited to share in Dennis Arinello's retirement on Saturday, August 23, at the Village Inn in Skokie, Illinois, located 2 blocks north of Oakton St, on Lincoln Ave at 6:00 PM ... you'll meet Denny's lovely bride Carley, and Ed Bartt and his retired Marine friends will be there. You'll meet Gold Star families. Jon Brant and his family will be there, I'll be there with the entire Forgotten Heroes and Patriot Entertainment crew ... but most important, you'll meet a true American hero ... Col Dennis Arinello, USMC (retired).

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Comments

• June 28, 2008 9:58 AM Keri wrote:
  Are Denny and his wife coming to the concert? It would be great to have a "pre-retirement" party for him!!!
  
  Keri Domko
  Reply to this
• June 28, 2008 11:48 AM Joe Cantafio wrote:
  Keri,
  
  What a very sweet invitation. I know Denny and Carleen would love to party with you. After all ... I met Darrin and Denny one day apart. Unfortunately, Denny and Carleen live in Virginia and will be flying into Chicago for the party.
  
  But, I still think we should celebrate his retirement, in his honor, when Darrin and you are in town to join us at Augustfest on the 3rd.
  
  Before the show we can toast Denny, and then another toast to Carly and another toast to the Marines and of course a toast to the Army and a toast to baby Nora, one last toast to "Baghdad Buddies!" He he he ... that should be one helluva show that night!
  
  Joe
  Reply to this
• June 28, 2008 2:59 PM Kim wrote:
  Fantastic article Joe
  
  ...what a wonderful man, and once again, a true patriot and hero.
  
  Kim
  Reply to this
• May 24, 2009 8:19 PM Ruben Castillo wrote:
  You are right on the mark. Colonel Arinello and I served on the 26th MEU (SOC) in the Adriatic and throughout the Balkans in the mid-1990's. We ran into each other from time to time throughout our careers, and seen each others work in Iraq--he in Baghdad and me throughout Al Anbar. We are in touch today and continue our committment to our country and beloved Corps, he in Afghanistan and me at Camp LeJeune, NC. I missed his retirement because I was deployed, but I know the laughter and tears you speak of. Denny loves Marines, and I'm glad I had the honor of serving with him.
  
  One team one fight...
  
  Ruben Castillo
  Gunnery Sergeant, USMC, Retired
  OIF 2004, 2005, 2006
  Reply to this
• May 25, 2009 10:09 AM Dennis Arinello wrote:
  Wow! He was quite a young man when I had then Corporal Castillo serving with me during that deployment! I was blessed during my career with many like now Gunnery Sergeant Castillo, USMC, Ret.
  
  Let me tell you about this remarkable young man - He's just recently graduated college earning his Bachelor's Degree with Honors and is now going to Graduate School.
  
  I'm honored and touched that he held me in high esteem during his tour with me! He and others like him are what it means to be Leaders of Marines ... Put that in your blog!
  Reply to this

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