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Aug 27, 2023

Families of fallen Mass. veterans plead for help in finding tools stolen from memorial park

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Family members of the 13 men from Haverhill, Massachusetts, who died while serving in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War,

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Family members of the 13 men from Haverhill, Massachusetts, who died while serving in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, come to the memorial at Mill Brook Park along Mill Street to reflect and remember their loved ones.

"This park means an awful lot to me. To me, personally, it means redemption," said Ralph Basiliere, chair of the Haverhill Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission.

Basiliere is named after his uncle, U.S. Marine Corps PFC Ralph T. Basiliere, who was 19 years old when he was killed in Vietnam.

Linda Baxter said her brother, U.S. Army PFC Michael Gambino, was the same age when he died while serving in that war. He was just four days shy of turning 20 years old.

"Giving thanks to all of them. One of them, my brother, my baby brother. So it's a labor of love for me," Baxter said.

When thieves ransacked the sacred park last week, they stole a large toolbox that contained all of the power tools and landscaping supplies the Memorial Commission uses to maintain the property.

The losses and damages totaled $7,000.

"I was heartbroken because it's just a dishonor," Baxter said.

"It's really set us back terribly," Basiliere said. "I'm howling mad about it. I'm so mad that someone would be so low as to steal from Vietnam veterans."

Basielere said police canvassed the neighborhood for video and now have some good leads, including something the thieves left behind. Police have also received several tips.

The members of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission think the theft was planned and orchestrated by more than one person.

"They lifted a box that was 400 or 500 pounds into a truck," Basielere said.

A veteran-owned business has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.