By Joe Cuminale
On Saturday, May 18, I had the honor of helping a longtime friend celebrate a major milestone birthday. United States Marine Corps Cpl. Cliff Doering turned 99 years young. I have known Cliff for almost 15 years now. He is a World War II Veteran of the Okinawa Battle in the South Pacific.
Cliff enlisted in the Marines when He was 18 years old. When I asked him the reason behind enlisting, Cliff told me “The world was in trouble, and I wanted to help.”
After basic training, he was sent to Hawaii, then on to the South Pacific. He hit the Black Sand Beaches at 18 years of age, hoping to make it to 19.
Cpl. Doering and his family arrived at The Sunrise Detachment of the Marine Corps League in Massapequa in a classic convertible escorted by almost forty motorcycles. Once they arrived at their destination, the motorcycle escort parked and a group of young Marines carrying our country’s colors escorted the family to the guest of honor area set aside for the family. The members of the Marine Corps League gathered to honor their brother.
Cliff is more than a friend to me; he is literally living history and I love to listen to his stories. A few of Nassau County elected officials were on hand to help Cliff celebrate. When someone asked Cliff the question “When You Reach 100 next year, would you like to re-enlist?” All Cliff had to say was “Heck Yeah!” and was greeted with the sounds of “OOH-RAH!” from his fellow Marines.
I am looking forward to hearing more of Cliff’s stories for some time to come. I would like to thank the Marine Corps League, Rolling Thunder Chapter NY6, American Legion Riders, Patriot Guard Riders, Teamsters Horsemen, and many other independent motorcycle riders for escorting the guest of honor U.S.M.C. Cpl. Cliff Doering and his family to his 99th birthday celebration barbeque.
I will see you many times before, but next year’s 100th birthday celebration will be much larger, sir.