YMCA Camp Belkanap On Lake Winnipesaukee: (http://www.campbelknap.org/)
Manuel DelValle - We have received word from former leader Jeff Bradley that Manuel DelValle, a Belknapper from 1982 to 1985 and a New York City firefighter, was tragically lost in the rescue efforts of September 11th at the World Trade Center. (Click on the links to go to the FDNY web site, and to read Jeff's message.) Manuel DelValee Tribute: (http://www.campbelknap.org/manuel delvalle.html)
The following is an except from Jeff's e-mail with more information on Manuel - ". . . [I] went right to the FDNY web site, www.fdny.org, and there I found the sad confirmation that this is indeed our Manny DelValle, Firefighter, Engine 5. See his photo and page at http://www.ci.nyc.ny.us/html/fdny/html/memorial/wtc/delvalle_manuel_ff_eng005.html. In the photo, Manny looks about the same as he did when he was a senior in my cabin in 1984, my last of 11 summers at camp . . . The memorial service is Saturday, October 13 in the Bronx, probably not far from where Manny grew up. If I were not an ocean away, I think I would be there to tell Manny's family what a cool kid Manny was, how courageous he was to make the trek northward each summer, how very much he brought to us isolated NH boys (do you remember his moonwalking and breakdancing at Woodcraft?), and how he helped me develop as a leader and a person. I vividly recall taking a walk with Manny the last day of camp, after the disappointment of his not getting rec. I don't remember his exact words, but he said something like, "Don't worry about it man, I'll get OVER it!!!", and then he thanked me. Manny was a class act. I only wish I had gotten to know him as a NYC firefighter. I would have loved introducing my four-year old son Timothy to Manny, showing him Fire Engine No. 5. I'm sure I would have had to talk Manny out of hauling Timothy up the ladder or cruising him around the block, sirens blaring: "Yo, Posey, check this OUT! Manny made the ultimate sacrifice, and perhaps embodies as much as anyone ever can, the Belknap motto and spirit. God Bless You, Manny." Jeff Posey Bradley [email] Via Della Mazzetta, 19 01100 Viterbo (VT) ITALY 011-39-348-712-7292

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