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Former Marine endures rain, heat to raise money

JANESVILLE — The day started with rain.

It ended with heat.

But it raised more than $1,680 for wounded soldiers.

On Saturday, former Marine Sgt. Mark Dolfini stood at attention near the intersection of Milton Avenue and Black Bridge Road for more than five hours.

He calls it “standing for the fallen,” and for passersby, it was tangible reminder of the men and women still serving and those who have been injured or died in the line of duty.

As the cars splashed by on their errands, Dolfini stood without a fidget, statute still, his dress uniform getting soaked in the downpour.

Just before noon, the weather shifted gears, the temperature reaching 86 degrees.

“I’m not sure what the uniforms are made of, but the Marines want to make sure you’re uncomfortable,” Dolfini said, grinning.

Dolfini served in the Marines from 1993 to 1997, but is proud to “stand for the fallen” wherever and whenever he can.

Dolfini has stood on corners in Albuquerque N.M., in Times Square and in big and small towns across the country.

On Saturday, he got up early and drove from his home in Lafayette, Ind. for the Janesville event, which was a fundraiser for Soldiers’ Angels, a group that helps wounded soldiers.

Janesville resident Wendy Stewart helped organize the event. She’s been actively involved in a variety of activities to support the troops, and has a number of former soldiers in her family.

“People have been so generous,” Stewart said.

People can still donate by going to soldiersangelsgermany.org.

When soldiers are injured, they are first transported to Germany, and the group offers them “supplies and comfort items,” Stewart said.