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Barbershop quartet relays Valentines for deployed Marines

10 Feb 2007 | Lance Cpl. Dane M. Horst Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Cupid’s arrow struck the hearts of several spouses of deployed Fightertown service members recently in honor of Valentine’s Day. As their loved ones continue to support U.S. military operations around the world, a small barbershop quartet serenaded the families here on the homefront and made it a memorable event, although they are still separated by thousands of miles.

The Beaufort Harbormasters, a local chapter of the National Barbershop Harmony Society, serenaded more than 20 spouses of deployed Marines with a cappella love songs and presented them with a two-pound box of chocolates donated from the Chocolate Tree, a local candy shop.

“These men truly support the troops by bringing smiles to their families’ faces when they can’t be here in person,” said Sandra Broadus, a spouse of a deployed Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 Marine. “It’s special that these men took the time out of their day to perform these songs for us.”

The Harbormasters are a nonprofit organization who perform throughout Beaufort in their vintage barbershop attire to support various charitable and civic organizations and events, according to Brian Chinn, a quartet member.

This year, the Harbormasters tried something new by reaching out to the military community, according to Chinn.

“We are honoring our deployed Marines by relaying their best wishes to their loved ones at home,” Chinn said.  “We are acting as a conduit of goodness for these families.”

The Harbormasters’ typical delivery to a spouse includes a box of Valentine’s Day chocolate and two songs sung in four-part harmony, according to Col. Joseph Windgard, a Harbormasters’ quartet member and the assistant chief of staff of installation and logistics for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

“We are excited to share our music with these Marine spouses,” Windgard said. “It means a lot to all of us here because the community understands the military’s role in this area and really supports us. We hope to bring smiles to the these wives’ faces.”

The wives enjoyed the old-fashioned charm and the Harbormasters made each visit extra-special by personalizing each message, according to Theresa Thoma, the Marine Corps Family Team Building program coordinator here.

“This was sweet to have someone come out and do this while our husbands are away and to put out that extra effort to make sure we still have a good Valentine’s Day,” said Latoya Cadore, a spouse of a MWSS-273 Marine.

For more information about the Beaufort Harbormasters call 846-6038.