A Tribute to a Marine Who Made a Difference

In our fast paced world sometimes we feel we don’t have the time to go out of our way or to do the “nice” things for those around us like we would like to do. Richard Kennelly is the exception to that fast growing norm in our society. He has been making a difference in our society for years. Mr. Kennelly made a difference in the Marine Corps and as a High School teacher for decades.

Richard grew up as a street kid from New York. He wanted a better life for himself so he joined the Marine Corps. Richard retired from the Marine Corps after 30 years of service. His brother was proud to be a Marine too. Even his son served in the Marines for 10 years. His whole family is proud of our United States of America.

Richard’s rank in the Marine Corps was Master Gunnery Sergeant. Being a Senior Staff NCO in the Marine Corps gave Richard the opportunity not only to serve his country but to make a difference every day in the lives his Marines. Richard wanted his Marines to succeed as a Marine and to become better men or women. He pushed his men and women to advance through the Marines Corps and to succeed in life. He encouraged his men and women to go to college and to get a better education when their enlistment was up. He told them it would take hard work but they could do it to better their lives.

After Richard retired from the Marine Corps he practiced what he preached to all of those Marines throughout all of those years. He worked hard and he went to college to be a high school teacher.  He graduated from Kennesaw State University of Kennesaw, GA. Mr. Kennelly was proud to be in a position again to not only be a good teacher for his students but to be able to make a difference in his student’s lives.  He encouraged them to be the best they could be. Richard encouraged his high school students to stay in school and then to go to college.

I met Richard through his wife Adela, who was one of my students. Adela had a living room that was dedicated to Christmas all year long.  Richard and Adela had decided that they would like to turn the Christmas style living room into a home office for Richard.   

Being the proud Marine he was, and still is, he had a lot of Marine collectable items that would be perfect to be displayed in the office; along with his special College diploma from Kennesaw State University. So, we decided to create an office with a Marine theme. I was very proud to have been chosen to be the interior designer who would transform this Christmas room into Richard’s Marine Corps office. I created an interior design plan that would enable me to transform this living room into a show room. I would display his Marine Corps honors, accomplishments, pictures, and so much more. We chose to purchase a special desk to be placed in his office as a focal point. Only the most important pictures and diploma would grace the wall behind his desk. One of the pictures is a picture of The Flag Raising of Iwo Jima. This Flag Raising picture was signed by Charles W. Lindberg. Behind the desk you will see a picture of Richard receiving his college degree and his Kennesaw State University diploma. We placed two important flags to flank Richard’s desk.  One flag is the flag of the United States of America and the other one is the Marine Corps flag. It was an honor to hang a picture of Richard and his son in uniform on the wall in Richard’s office. To complete the room I added window treatments on the windows. Richard and Adela have chosen not to add blinds to their windows in the office. I chose to fabricate drapery panels in a “GREEN” fashion to prevent heat loss and to help them save money on their heating and cooling bills. The positioning of the draperies still allows all of the sunlight to come into the room when they are opened. These curtains would allow privacy for their family and they would add the Marine red color to the room. We chose a valance that has a curvy design and it has a 3 dimensional shape. This style of valance is able to be symbolic of the shape of a flag blowing in the wind.

Richard is very proud of his “Marine Corps” room office. His room is not just an office anymore it is a library. His library is very special because it represents his memories and accomplishments for his friends and neighbors to experience with him. Richard Kennelly is a true role model for young and old alike. Even today Richard still looks for opportunities to help and encourage other to do their best and to make a difference in our United States of America.