Former Severn Marine Honored by CA Community for Service

By AUTUMN JOHNSON

A Severn Marine veteran settling into college life in California was honored earlier this month for his service in Afghanistan.

Pleasanton Military Families, a nonprofit in California that supports local troops and their families, recently hosted their first “welcome home” event of 2015. Bradley Dougherty, a former U.S. Marine sergeant from Severn, was greeted by the Pleasanton community on Jan. 17.

According to the nonprofit, during his tour of duty, Dougherty garnered several prestigious medals, including one for the Global War on Terrorism, National Defense, Good Conduct, Afghanistan Campaign, NATO (ISAF) and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. The Severn native enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2010 and ended his contract in December of 2014.

Dougherty will live in Pleasanton with his military brother, Alex Beatty, and plans on finishing his degree at Las Positas Community College, PMF chairwoman Pat Frizzell said.

Beatty’s mother, Kim Beatty, told PMF via email, “I am so proud to be part of PMF. I love sharing the homecoming experience with those that have never witnessed such a thing and hear them go on and on about how incredible it is. I know the state of Maryland will be introduced to how it’s done in P-Town!”

Local dignitaries, including Mayor Jerry Thorne, along with many military supporters from around Tri-Valley attended the homecoming. Watch the full slide show here.

Photo courtesy Eric Muetterties with a slideshow created by Sherry Wiggins.

Photo caption: Bradley Dougherty with Pleasanton Mayor Jerry Thorne, City Council members Jerry Pentin and Kathy Narum.