thedrifter
11-04-07, 05:35 AM
USO, community salute troops
JENNIFER HLAD
November 3, 2007 - 11:52PM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
The Jacksonville United Service Organizations saluted local troops Saturday with a celebration that included football, barbeque, music and activities for the whole family.
The annual Salute to the Troops is a way to "bring the civilian and military communities together," said Judy Pitchford, president of the USO of North Carolina.
For volunteer Wanda Moore, it is a chance to say thank you.
"The freedoms that we have today are due to the brave men and women who have stood up and defended our country," said Moore, whose son is a Camp Lejeune-based Marine currently serving in Iraq.
"We owe them a great debt," she said, but "unless we tell them we're proud of them ... they won't know."
Crystal Coast Assembly of God said thank you with a smile - and a warm meal. The Peletier church brought its mobile emergency response trailer to serve barbeque and other goodies for the event.
"As a church, we want to put back into the community and help where we can," said Clarence Tippett, coordinator of the emergency response team.
The barbeque is just a way to "show the guys our appreciation," Tippett said, to show service members "we appreciate what they're doing."
Cub Scout leader Chuck Cruise was hoping to teach his son - 8-year-old Dakota Cruise - and the other Cub Scouts to show their appreciation.
The older members of the pack handed out thank-you notes to veterans in Saturday's Veterans Day Parade before the USO celebration.
"It's important to teach these guys early," Cruise said.
The Salute to the Troops also was a chance to celebrate the Marine Corps' 232nd birthday. Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, cut the birthday cake.
"The USO is such a wonderful part of the community," Stalder said. "They do so much for (service members) and their families. ... This kind of event just solidifies and deepens that relationship."
Contact military reporter Jennifer Hlad at jhlad@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, ext. 8467. To comment on this story, visit www.jdnews.com.
Ellie
JENNIFER HLAD
November 3, 2007 - 11:52PM
DAILY NEWS STAFF
The Jacksonville United Service Organizations saluted local troops Saturday with a celebration that included football, barbeque, music and activities for the whole family.
The annual Salute to the Troops is a way to "bring the civilian and military communities together," said Judy Pitchford, president of the USO of North Carolina.
For volunteer Wanda Moore, it is a chance to say thank you.
"The freedoms that we have today are due to the brave men and women who have stood up and defended our country," said Moore, whose son is a Camp Lejeune-based Marine currently serving in Iraq.
"We owe them a great debt," she said, but "unless we tell them we're proud of them ... they won't know."
Crystal Coast Assembly of God said thank you with a smile - and a warm meal. The Peletier church brought its mobile emergency response trailer to serve barbeque and other goodies for the event.
"As a church, we want to put back into the community and help where we can," said Clarence Tippett, coordinator of the emergency response team.
The barbeque is just a way to "show the guys our appreciation," Tippett said, to show service members "we appreciate what they're doing."
Cub Scout leader Chuck Cruise was hoping to teach his son - 8-year-old Dakota Cruise - and the other Cub Scouts to show their appreciation.
The older members of the pack handed out thank-you notes to veterans in Saturday's Veterans Day Parade before the USO celebration.
"It's important to teach these guys early," Cruise said.
The Salute to the Troops also was a chance to celebrate the Marine Corps' 232nd birthday. Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, cut the birthday cake.
"The USO is such a wonderful part of the community," Stalder said. "They do so much for (service members) and their families. ... This kind of event just solidifies and deepens that relationship."
Contact military reporter Jennifer Hlad at jhlad@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, ext. 8467. To comment on this story, visit www.jdnews.com.
Ellie