Take a bow, Gilroy

A look at the Cory McCarthy story that was published Friday in The Dispatch - and Gilroyans’ whirlwind response to it - gives concrete evidence of why this is such a wonderful community.

On Friday, we ran the story of Cory McCarthy, 21, an Army medic from Gilroy who was severely wounded Aug. 9 when his convoy was hit by two rocket-propelled grenades. McCarthy had since been evacuated to Walter Reed Hospital in Maryland for treatment, but his parents, Mike and Carol McCarthy, couldn’t afford to make the trip to visit their injured and lonely son.

Immediately, Gilroyans stepped in to save the day. The day Cory’s story ran, The Dispatch began receiving e-mail messages and telephone calls offering to help. Thanks to the work of many - including Councilmen Bob Dillon and Al Pinheiro, the Gilroy post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and numerous anonymous helpers - Bob and Carol McCarthy boarded a plane Wednesday headed to Washington, D.C., to visit their son.

The visit is happening none too soon, because it appears that Cory has been less than forthcoming with his parents about the extent of his injuries, in an effort to spare them worry.

“We learn a little more each day, things that he hides from us,” Mike said.

Cory’s injuries have required skin and bone grafts, surgery to reattach his right thumb and repair his right index finger, and treatment of shrapnel and burn wounds.

But for now, Gilroyans can pat themselves on their collective back and take enormous pride in the fact that they made it possible for Mike and Carol McCarthy to visit their wounded son.

“There’s a lot of people coming out of the woodwork,” Mike said. “It’s pretty overwhelming right now. Whether it’s monetary or prayers, there are a lot of people who know Cory or who have heard about this that are showing support.”

This story has all the elements needed to tug anyone’s heartstrings: An injured soldier lying in a hospital bed thousands of miles from home; worried, hardworking parents who can’t afford to fly across the continent to visit him; and a supportive, caring community that wouldn’t sit back and let dollars and distance keep them apart. We’re proud to be part of Gilroy, a city full of compassion, patriotism, generosity and action.