Blum’s Landing flagpole dedication to honor lost soldier

by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor

The members of two families who lost boys defending the country will take part in a flagpole dedication at Blum’s Landing in Ocqueoc Township.

Terry and Jan Blumberg built Blum’s Landing in loving memory of their son Sgt. Trevor A. Blumberg, known to his fellow soldiers as “Blum.” Trevor was killed Sept. 14, 2003 in Fallujah, Iraq. He also served in Korea and Afghanistan prior to deploying to Iraq with the 82nd Airborne Division.

The dedication is being held on the 10th anniversary of Trevor’s death.

“To celebrate life, we have to celebrate the wonderful folks who have supported us in the construction and creation of Blum’s Landing,” said Terry Blumberg.

He said two such people are Jack and Judy Darga of Cheboygan. They have volunteered and supported Blum’s Landing tirelessly for the last six years.

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“Sadly, they too lost a son; so they felt it was a fitting tribute to help,” Terry added.

Terry wanted to honor Chief Petty Officer Paul Darga of Cheboygan, who was killed in action, Aug. 22, 2006.

Darga, 34, was married with one child.

Rich and Jane Keenan of Canton, the owners of the Old Glory Flag Shop in Plymouth, donated the flag.

During the ceremony, a brass plate will be added to the flagpole in memory of this hero. Representatives of Cheboygan vet groups will be in attendance.

The Blumbergs purchased 12 acres of land on Orchard Lake. Since 2005, thousands of dollars and countless man-hours of labor by Terry, friends and volunteers have brought the soldiers’ retreat to fruition.