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Where Are They Now? Episode 1 |
Each week this summer, we will feature a former member or instructor in our "Where are they now?" series.
In the first installment of our series we interview past member, instructor, and Hall of Fame member Patty (Marshall) Stine.
What years were you involved with the Crusaders (taught, marched, admin staff, support staff, fan)?
Guard Member from 71-75. Staff Member from 76-79 as Flag Tech. Support whenever possible. Fan since 1967 when I first saw THE Boston Crusaders take the field.
What are you doing now ?
Working full time for a Medical Billing Company
How did you get involved with the corps?
As a member of St Patrick's Drill Team in Stoneham I first saw the corps at our home show in 1967 and I was totally captivated by the power, the pride and the precision I was witnessing.  At that moment I told myself I had to be a part of that someday. After leaving St Patrick's in 1971 I joined Boston and the rest, as they say, is history. Four of my sisters and one of my brothers came after me and we had a member of the Marshall family in the corps from 1971 through 1984. My daughter is now a second year member.
What are your fondest memories?
The whole 1973 season and the people who hung in there. We had some veterans that year but we also had some new members and that has always stayed with me. It was not easy to join a corps that was struggling to stay alive - so I have a special place in my heart for all the members of that year. But just getting ready for a show is another-putting on the uniform, the hype, the diesel fuel smell, the hugs, the looks of determination - just the camaraderie of it all. Then there was this time in 1982 I decided to help fill a charter jet and take a trip to Europe with the corps lol. Another very fond memory was meeting some tall, thin guy with long hair (true story) from Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights. I had no idea then that I would marry him fourteen years later.
What are you favorite BAC traditions?
Circling up to sing GIANT was the favorite. The tradition of pride is the most important of all. No matter if the years were great or tough, this corps always instilled and maintained a great sense of pride in the members. A life lesson we can all take with us.
Who do you keep in touch with?
So many people I couldn't name them all. A group of us from the mid to late seventies get together once a year at a party that Carl and Debbie Mayer put together. It's something I look forward to each year. We have "Crusaders North" going on up here in Haverhill with Terry Connolly, Sully, Jack Vento, my sister Su Marshall, sister in law Theresa (Regan) Marshall and Ken and I. And of course, Jackie.
What is your favorite Crusader show of all time?
This is a tough one...1967 in Stoneham when they just grabbed me. DCI in Wisconsin in 1973 which was my proudest moment as a Crusader. As a staff member at DCI in Colorado in 1979 which was the "quality not quantity" year. But the absolute best show of all time was the 2000 DCI Finals in Maryland. We were with many family members and friends who were all connected to the corps and it was just electric. For me, that was the payback for all the blood, sweat and tears that we all put into this corps. It was the most emotional show I have ever seen the corps perform and one I will never get tired of watching on DVD. It was a truly magical night with a lot of misty eyed alumni members in attendance.   And I love the memory of it!
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