MAYNARD – The Maynard Christians Women’s Club announced the speaker for its 2025 Memorial Day Service will be Sgt. Gerald Alan Dopkiss II, U.S. Army 2005-2013. Unit 4-101 Pathfinder F Company, 101st Airborne Division.

The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 26.

Dopkiss was born and raised in Maynard. His parents still reside in the community. His mother is a member of Maynard Christians Women’s Club. He is married to Marisa DelVecchio Dopkiss and has two sons, Caiden and Colton. He will also speak at the Barton service held at 10 a.m. May 26.

Dopkiss served two tours in Afghanistan as a sniper team leader. He conducted over 150 combat missions throughout the Korengal Valley and Surri District.

He received the following awards and recognitions: Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, three overseas Service Ribbons, Combat Infantryman Parachute Badge, Air Assault Badge and Expert Rifleman Badge.

He graduated from Air Assault Airborne, Sniper Survival Evasion Resist Escape, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course, Combative 1, 2 and 3 Tactical Tracking Operations School and First Rope Insertion Masters Course.

The Memorial Day service in Maynard will be held at The Bridge Honor Roll with John Wodarcyk presiding over the program. Prayers will be provided by the Rev. Al Hodor, pastor of the Maynard United Methodist Church. Song leader will be Barbara Goletz. Amanda Lekanudos, former auxiliary president, will also participate in the event. Refreshments will follow after the service at the Maynard PNA on Hall Street. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held at the PNA hall.