2002 Fall of Saigon Scholarships

2003 Cpl Charles McMahon Scholarship award

The Fall of Saigon Marines Association presented two $500 scholarships in memory of CPL Charles McMahon Jr. to Jonathan Boswell and Sandra Lawton at the 39th Annual Boys & Girls Club of Woburn Awards Reception. CPL McMahon, winner of the 1971 PFC Joseph L. Drew Boy of the Year award, was one of the last two Americans to die in service for his country in Vietnam in April, 1975. The Fall of Saigon Marines Association is a non-profit organization composed of Marines who assisted in the evacuation of Saigon during the period of April 29-30, 1975. John Ghilain, now a police officer in Medford, represented the Association for the presentation of the scholarships with the assistance of George Holland, a fellow Marine, 1970 PFC Joseph L. Drew Boy of the Year award winner and best friend of CPL McMahon. The pair received a warm welcome from nearly 300 youth and their families.

In April, 2001, the Fall of Saigon Marines gathered in Woburn to honor the anniversary of CPL McMahon’s death. At a memorable and emotional ceremony, medals and service ribbons earned by CPL McMahon were presented to his sister Susan who, in turn, presented the honors to be displayed by the Boys & Girls Club in CPL Charles McMahon Memorial Wall. Looking to further perpetuate the memory of CPL McMahon, the Fall of Saigon Marines Association established two scholarships in his memory. The scholarships are to be awarded to one boy and one girl who are members of the Boys & Girls Club of Woburn and graduating seniors at Woburn High School who best represent the high standards of service to Club, community and country exemplified by CPL McMahon.

Boswell and Lawton are the second pair of scholarship winners. Boswell will be attending Duquesne University to major in sports management while Lawton will enroll at Southern New Hampshire University to ultimately pursue a career in law. Both have an outstanding record of leadership and volunteer service in the Club and community. Lawton commented "The Club has meant a lot to me growing up and I am surprised and honored by being recognized." Boswell added "I am grateful to the (Fall of Saigon Marine) Association for the scholarship. With the situation in Iraq, it’s important that we remember what our soldiers do to defend our freedom every day".

In addition to providing the two scholarships, the Fall of Saigon Marines Association also paid to refurbish the original PFC Joseph L. Drew Boy/Youth of the Year Trophy that was on display at the Awards Reception. Club Executive Director Rick Metters noted that "The presentations of the CPL McMahon scholarships are a fitting addition to our ceremony. It is important that we preserve and honor Charlie’s memory and we are grateful to the Fall of Saigon Marines for their loyalty and assistance in this important endeavor."

For those wishing to learn more about the Fall of Saigon Marines or to make a donation to aid in their work, please see their website at www.fallofsaigon.org. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, please call 781-935-3777 or visit the Club’s website at www.positive-place.org .