Westborough – Decorated soldier Douglas M. Sulham has been named grand marshal of Westborough's Veterans” Day parade, to be held Monday, Nov. 11.
Sulham served in the Coast Guard and spent nine months in Kuwait and Iraq in 2008. He has been awarded numerous medals, decorations, and ribbons, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy/Marines Overseas Medal, Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Mobilization Device for AFRM, Armed Forces Reserve Medal AFR, and EMT Certification.
Here, in his own words, are Sulham's thoughts on his service and being named Westborough's grand marshal:
“I was born on Sept. 17, 1984, to Doug Sulham Sr. (who served in the Army) and Suzanne. I have one sister, currently a corrections officer in Massachusetts. After graduating from high school, I attended the Community College of Rhode Island for criminal justice and after two years enlisted in the military. As luck would have it, I joined the Coast Guard because they were the only military branch that could get me into boot camp within a month!
“Following boot camp, I was stationed at Camp Edwards on Cape Cod. I have been based there for nearly eight years, observing my Port Security Unit grow and evolve. I'se played an active role in developing new training programs and have enjoyed guiding new Coasties through the ranks. Throughout my time in the Coast Guard, I have had the opportunity to train with every branch of the military, including the Army Green Berets.
“In 2008, my unit received notice of an upcoming overseas mission and we shipped out for a nine-month tour in Kuwait and Iraq, most of which I spent training Iraqi Marine and Special Forces.
“To this day, I still recall one of the best days of my life as the day I returned home, where my mother, father, and now-wife, Kate, were waiting for me. Kate made the transition from overseas to being home an easy one, and it was an easy decision to propose three months after returning home. We were married on my birthday the following year and relocated to Westborough last June. We were thrilled to welcome our daughter, Lucy, on Aug. 4, 2012 – a birthday she shares with the United States Coast Guard and I couldn's be more proud!
“I currently work in security for EMC [Corporation] and am a Maritime Enforcement Petty Officer Second Class with the Coast Guard Reserves. I am enjoying my home life and time with my family, becoming more active in the Westborough community, and look forward to all of my future opportunities.
“It is an honor to represent the Coast Guard and the town of Westborough as your Grand Marshal.”
Veterans” Day ceremonies to honor Westborough's veterans will begin at 9 a.m. at VFW Post 9013, 9A Milk St., stopping at Pine Grove Cemetery on South Street, the Vietnam Memorial on Ruggles Street, the Forbes Municipal Building, 45 W. Main St., and the Westborough Rotary. Ceremonies will include wreath-laying, guest speakers, the VFW Post 9013 Honor Guard, and the Westborough High School Band.