Patriots Park is the site of Veterans Day ceremonies each year.
Carl Waterman. Photo courtesy of the Exchange Club of Ocean City
In just two weeks, the greater Ocean City community donated more than $10,000 to help the family of a local veteran who recently suffered a serious stroke.
More than 8o different people contributed money through an online GoFundMe site, raising $10,055 for the family of Carl Waterman, a decorated veteran familiar to just about anybody who’s attended a parade in Ocean City.
Another 10 people wrote checks amounting to an additional $1,000, according to Bill Culp, president of the Ocean City Exchange Club, which organized the fundraiser to help one of its members.
"It's a great compliment to the influence of the Exchange Club and of the community," Culp said.
Waterman's stroke left him paralyzed and unable to speak. Facing staggering medical bills, Waterman’s wife, Pat, had been unable to pay rent, utilities or even buy food. But 100 percent of the fundraising proceeds are now helping her get by.
Waterman is a retired Marine and a key member of the U.S. Marine Corps League Color Guard, marching in local parades (2014 Miss America and many others) and posting the nation’s colors at city and county events.
An Ocean City resident who worked in the construction trades for decades, Waterman is an active member and former board member of the Exchange Club and the Riverboat Club.
The online donation site is now closed.
