Pocono News Section

Western Wayne Fallen Soldier Dedication

Western Wayne Fallen Soldier Dedication - Friday, October 30, 2009 at 5:17PM EST

Friday, Oct 30, 2009 @ 05:17pm EDT

Staff sargeant Paul Sweeney's sacrifice on the battlefield will be honored at Western Wayne 's football field.

Senior football player Billy Gillette said, "You play football, you're part of a team, we understand that here. He's a veteran, he sacrificed himself for the country, that's basically teamwork."

Gillette never knew Paul Sweeny.

Most of his teammates didn't either, but Friday's game is dedicated to the fallen soldier.

Sweeney died fighting with army special forces in Afghanistan in 2003.

His wife graduated from Western Wayne , but he went to Wallenpaupak high school in the late 80's.

That doesn't make much difference to students here.

Junior Chris Chapman said, "No, not at all, as long as he did what he did for my country I care just the same."

Shortly after Sweeny's death, American Legion Post 807 in Hamlin renamed it's post, "Sweeny Memorial 807".

Before Friday's game, the football and soccer teams will join post 807 in a dedication ceremony for Sweeny's family, including his two boys.

American Legion Post 807 member Manny Mirailh said, "Maybe he'll realize that there are still those who will not forget, who will continue to exemplify the integrity and the initiative of those who proudly serve this nation in uniform."

Sweeny died after his group was ambushed in Afghanistan , six years ago to the day.

Chapman said, "There's many other men like him, men and women just like him who give their life and we need to be more appreciative instead of just living our lives and not thinking about it."

Friday nights game is expected to be a tough one for Western Wayne high school, but Gillette says the team has added inspiration.

"We're pretty pumped, it's a big game and this just one more thing to push us over the edge to hopefully beat Lakeland ," said Gillette.