Community Rallies Behind Injured Marine

PUNXSUTAWNEY---A local marine was injured in Afghanistan after shrapnel from a roadside bomb struck the left side of his body. Sgt. Shane Hanley sustained injuries to four fingers, his arm, and his eye. He underwent surgery while still in Afghanistan, and was then flown to Germany for further treatment. His family and friends are thankful that Shane is alive, and for the support they’ve received from the community. Some local students attached yellow ribbons to parking meters all around Punxsutawney to let the Hanley family know that they are behind them. “They’re very close to the Hanley’s,” said Marlene Lellock, director of the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce, “They wanted to show them they care, that they’re thinking about Shane, and they’re wishing him the best and letting him know that the community is pulling for him.” Those who know Shane say he has always been a responsible young man, and they couldn’t be prouder of him. “He’d be the person that I left the keys to the business with when I went out of town because I knew everything would be in order when I came back,” said Bob Beatty, who employed Hanley when he was in high school, “And I understand that’s the same way it is with him in the marine corps. That one of his first concerns was when he was awakened after surgery, he wanted to know how his men were. So it doesn’t surprise me that he’s a leader.” Hanley is in stable condition scheduled to be flown to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland this weekend, but flights are tentative due to the heavy snow there. This is Hanley’s second tour of duty overseas. He was originally scheduled to come home in June. His wife and parents will be in Maryland to greet him when he arrives.