Scholarship fund set up for Mainers who serve

SOUTH PORTLAND – A businessman who threw a big Christmas party for Maine’s military personnel and their families has established a college scholarship fund for soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Joe Boulos, chairman and owner of CB Richard Ellis/The Boulos Co. real estate firm, announced the fund at Saturday night’s party, which was attended by more than 1,200 people.

In front of a roaring crowd, Boulos said the fund would allow the soldiers to attend any community college in Maine for free or use the money toward a four-year university. He said he would contribute up to $1 million to the fund.

Boulos, a former Marine Corps pilot who served in Vietnam, threw the holiday party inside the former Service Merchandise building in recognition of the troops’ service. He said the event was an emotional one.

“The camaraderie between the families here has been a wonderful experience,” said Boulos. “This is pretty special.”

DeAnn Cruz of Portland, who has an uncle serving in Iraq with the Maine Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion, was amazed at Boulos’ kindness.

“This event is great,” she said.

The party had plenty of American flags, white-star lights and an honor guard with local members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Soldiers and their families celebrated over roast beef dinners and eclairs. Santa and a juggling clown on stilts entertained children, and the Tony Boffa Band played tunes.

A popular attraction was a room where families could send video messages to loved ones in Iraq. Crowds lined up to record one-minute Christmas songs and tender greetings.

Holding back tears, 17-year-old Stephanie Neales of Westbrook said, “I miss you, Dad,” before handing the microphone to her sister. Their father, Harold Neales, is a Navy technician first class and has been in Kuwait for three months.

Marine Staff Sgt. Jimmy Gary of Topsham, dressed in uniform, was happy to share his 19 years of experience with anyone who wanted to talk about how servicemen and women deal with being away from family.

“I just talked to a World War II veteran and we were just sharing stories,” he said. “It’s like a bond we have.”