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VIDEO: Theinert memorial benefit in Greenport

JENNIFER GUSTAVSON PHOTO | From left, Army 1st Lt. Joseph Theinert's brother, Jimbo, and parents Chrystyna and Frank Kestler at a memorial benefit Sunday at Billy's by the Bay in Greenport.

The East End community came together Sunday in Greenport for the second annual memorial benefit honoring Army 1st Lt. Joseph Theinert.

Lt. Theinert deployed to Afghanistan two years ago in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. About six weeks into his deployment, Lt. Theinert was killed June 4, 2010 in combat while on a dismounted patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was 24.

Lt. Theinert’s mother, Chrystyna Kestler, said her family is grateful for the community’s support.

“We’ve been supported every step of the way,” Ms. Kestler said. “The community has never let us fall down.”

The memorial benefit was held at Billy’s by the Bay in Greenport where visitors listened to music and poetry. In addition, local businesses donated a variety of items for raffles and volunteers sold food and beverages.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Southold-Mattituck-Greenport Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps known as NJROTC.

Pick up Thursday’s paper to read more about this story.

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