10/04/2026
Laughter, music and community generosity filled Harland J. Hennessey VFW Post 5538 on Friday, October 2, 2026, as a nearly standing-room-only audience gathered for the Kountry Mike Comedy Concert benefiting the Tun Tavern Leathernecks Marine Corps League Detachment 961 building fund.
Kountry Mike Bova entertained the crowd with comedy and music, bringing friends and new supporters together for an evening dedicated to helping local Marines establish a permanent home.
A particularly touching moment came during “Superheroes,” Bova’s musical tribute to veterans, when audience members stepped forward to make additional donations of $637 to the building fund. Donations and ticket proceeds totaled $1,422.
“It was touching to see so many people get up, and donate to the Marine Corps League during my song Superheroes!” Bova wrote afterward.
Special thanks go to North South Connection (Blizzard Trailers), Up North Lumber Company LLC, and Lodging Kit Company for sponsoring the event. Their generosity helped make the fundraiser possible and demonstrated the strong support local businesses provide to our veterans.
Appreciation also goes to Loraine Murwin, owner of Awesome Country Farmhouse, for providing the audience’s snack table, and to Christina Malinowski for her help and work at the merchandise table.
Kountry Mike Bova thanked Post Commander Henry Jasek and Robert Lott, who served as emcee, for welcoming him to the VFW. He also recognized Jared Pearl and the supporters who accompanied him for attending and supporting Oneida County veterans. Thanks are extended to the Post’s volunteers: Skip Edick, Keith Mooney for selling admission and 50/50 raffle tickets at the entrance, Christina Kornatowski for keeping the drinks flowing, and all who attended or donated.
The Tun Tavern Leathernecks envision a heated, ADA-accessible facility in Boonville for monthly meetings, public events and the preservation of Marine Corps history. Plans include a museum-style interior featuring memorabilia and historical displays. Its location along a snowmobile trail and proposed ATV trail would offer opportunities to welcome visitors and hold future fundraising events.
The concert helped advance that goal while showing what neighbors can accomplish together. Every contribution brings the detachment closer to creating a lasting home for Marines, veterans and the community.
Donations may be made online at donorbox.org/mcl-961-museum-building or mailed to Tun Tavern Leathernecks, MCL Detachment 961, P.O. Box 1775, Boonville, NY 13309.
To our sponsors, volunteers, entertainers and supporters: thank you for helping build something lasting. Semper Fidelis!
Help Us Build a Permanent Home for Our Marine Corps LeagueWe are raising funds to build a permanent, ADA-accessible headquarters for our local Marine Corps League, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring Marin...
