Marines brighten comrade's Christmas

After finishing dinner Wednesday, Retired Marine Capt. Wayne Bolton settled into a chair in the corner of his room at The Retreat at Buffalo Hill.

Bolton underwent triple-bypass surgery in early November and has been recovering at the rehabilitation facility ever since. While he believed he would be home for Christmas, a recent bout with bronchitis and an upcoming pacemaker implant have doctors now projecting his trip home around late January.

This is the first Christmas outside of active duty that Bolton will spend away from his home and family.

But as he rested Wednesday evening, Bolton got a surprise. Seven members of the Flathead Marines — eight, counting one man by phone call — filled his room, bringing a wide smile to Bolton’s face.

Before long, laughter and stories were spilling out of the room. Phrases such as, “You helicopter pilots are all the same,” could be heard from the hallway.

It was a much-needed uplift during Bolton’s physically and emotionally demanding holiday season.

“It felt outstanding,” Bolton said. “Those guys just boosted my morale 100 percent.”

Bolton, a longtime member of the Flathead Marines, is a mentor to the entire group. He has spent time sharing experiences with young Marines while offering help to the community throughout the year.

Just last month, Bolton was a guest speaker at a Veterans Day ceremony in Kalispell.

“He exemplifies the United States Marine,” said Sean Reynolds, a Marine whose father was a good friend of Bolton since both families lived in Utah. “To see him wounded and down ... I know it’s life, but it’s very sad to see someone you know who is strong and not able to fully take care of themselves.”

Bolton and Reynolds have been part of the Flathead Marines since its beginning in the 1990s. The group began with six members who met at the Central School Museum until their numbers grew too large for the museum’s capacity.

Now with about 175 members, according to Reynolds, the group is able to do more community outreach programs to help former Marines and community members alike.

On Thanksgiving, while Bolton was at The Retreat, his wife, Carole, strained her back lifting the garage door. Bolton said she could barely move while she visited him. Within a few days, members of the Flathead Marines purchased a mechanical garage door opener and installed it at Bolton’s house.

Reynolds said it’s hard to see a fellow Marine down but harder to see one who’s unable to serve his community.

“To see the fear in his eyes about not being able to help his wife or his community, it’s disturbing,” Reynolds said. “If you ever talk to a Marine, that’s what it’s all about: serving.”

Bolton’s wife and children will be there with Bolton today on Christmas. He said he remembers spending Christmas last year enjoying the day, looking at the decorated Christmas tree and opening presents.

But Wednesday was a present of its own, with the visit from a group not willing to leave one of their own behind during the holidays.

“This guy has a lot of history,” said Bob Fraser of the Flathead Marines. “All of these men have a great story.”

After closing the door to Bolton’s room, Fraser produced a small bottle of Dewar’s Scotch Whiskey and poured a glass for each of the Marines.

“Here’s to you, Captain Wayne Bolton, to your health and to still being with us,” Fraser said in a toast. “Ladies and gentlemen, Captain Wayne Bolton. Semper Fi.”

After the stories wound down and the bottle of scotch had been drained, the Marines filtered out to allow Bolton some rest.

Several vowed to be back for a Christmas-day visit.

“They are a real good bunch of people,” Bolton said. “There’s nothing like the comradery that the Marine Corps has.”

Reporter Seaborn Larson may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at slarson@dailyinterlake.com.