thedrifter
12-10-06, 06:58 AM
Posted on Sun, Dec. 10, 2006
Reserve warriors honored in S.J.
By James Hohmann
Mercury News
A special Saturday Christmas party at the Navy Operational Support Center in San Jose recognized some often-overlooked weekend warriors in the Marines and Navy reserves.
``They've gone out with no fanfare, and they've come back with no fanfare,'' said Navy Cmdr. John Miller, referring to the reservists under his command. ``This is a chance to finally recognize all the troops here who have served.''
Almost 90 service members were called to the front of an assembly room at the seven-acre compound on East Mission Street, many accompanied by spouses and children, to receive certificates from Miller. On the rainy morning around 10 a.m., some honorees wore camouflage while others were in dress blacks or civilian clothes. But they all seemed happy to be there.
For the children, there were crafts and cotton candy. Adults were given raffle tickets for gift certificates to local businesses and hotels. Large white sheet cakes were iced with the message of the day: ``Honoring our new American heroes.''
The San Jose-based brigade has about 650 reserve personnel in 15 units around Northern California. There is an aircraft support unit, a medical team and even a meteorology group. More than 500 sailors and Marines have been mobilized in operations considered by the military to be part of the ``global war on terror'' since Sept. 11, 2001. Five Navy and 27 Marine personnel will be deployed this month. A dozen people with a family member currently deployed were applauded.
``We aren't 15 different units today,'' Miller told a cheering crowd. ``We're one big unit.''
San Jose Mayor-elect Chuck Reed, who graduated from the Air Force Academy, said he understands what it means to have children serving.
``I know the fear and distress in your families when you leave,'' he said, ``and the joy and relief when you come back.''
Parents said it was important that their children meet the people their husband or wife has served with.
``It's so nice because everybody is invited -- the spouses, the kids and the families,'' said Eileen Monge of Belmont, whose husband was deployed in the medical corps through 2005. She enjoyed a free barbecue with her husband and three children under a tent.
David Welling, an information-technology specialist from Portola Valley who returned from a tour of duty in the Middle East last year, said the Navy has at times overlooked those in the reserve.
``The Navy in general is still sort of catching up in recognizing some of the individual sacrifices we have made,'' he said, while his 7-year-old son, Diedrich, received a gift from Santa Claus. ``And while we're getting a lot of support from the reserve center, the regular Navy is still trying to figure out what they're going to do with us.''
Organizers called the event a great success. Miller said he expects to make it a tradition.
Contact James Hohmann at jhohmann@mercurynews.com or (40 920-5460.
Ellie
Reserve warriors honored in S.J.
By James Hohmann
Mercury News
A special Saturday Christmas party at the Navy Operational Support Center in San Jose recognized some often-overlooked weekend warriors in the Marines and Navy reserves.
``They've gone out with no fanfare, and they've come back with no fanfare,'' said Navy Cmdr. John Miller, referring to the reservists under his command. ``This is a chance to finally recognize all the troops here who have served.''
Almost 90 service members were called to the front of an assembly room at the seven-acre compound on East Mission Street, many accompanied by spouses and children, to receive certificates from Miller. On the rainy morning around 10 a.m., some honorees wore camouflage while others were in dress blacks or civilian clothes. But they all seemed happy to be there.
For the children, there were crafts and cotton candy. Adults were given raffle tickets for gift certificates to local businesses and hotels. Large white sheet cakes were iced with the message of the day: ``Honoring our new American heroes.''
The San Jose-based brigade has about 650 reserve personnel in 15 units around Northern California. There is an aircraft support unit, a medical team and even a meteorology group. More than 500 sailors and Marines have been mobilized in operations considered by the military to be part of the ``global war on terror'' since Sept. 11, 2001. Five Navy and 27 Marine personnel will be deployed this month. A dozen people with a family member currently deployed were applauded.
``We aren't 15 different units today,'' Miller told a cheering crowd. ``We're one big unit.''
San Jose Mayor-elect Chuck Reed, who graduated from the Air Force Academy, said he understands what it means to have children serving.
``I know the fear and distress in your families when you leave,'' he said, ``and the joy and relief when you come back.''
Parents said it was important that their children meet the people their husband or wife has served with.
``It's so nice because everybody is invited -- the spouses, the kids and the families,'' said Eileen Monge of Belmont, whose husband was deployed in the medical corps through 2005. She enjoyed a free barbecue with her husband and three children under a tent.
David Welling, an information-technology specialist from Portola Valley who returned from a tour of duty in the Middle East last year, said the Navy has at times overlooked those in the reserve.
``The Navy in general is still sort of catching up in recognizing some of the individual sacrifices we have made,'' he said, while his 7-year-old son, Diedrich, received a gift from Santa Claus. ``And while we're getting a lot of support from the reserve center, the regular Navy is still trying to figure out what they're going to do with us.''
Organizers called the event a great success. Miller said he expects to make it a tradition.
Contact James Hohmann at jhohmann@mercurynews.com or (40 920-5460.
Ellie