FORT BRAGG TROOPS RETURN TO HERO'S WELCOME
ABC 11 News
By Greg Barnes
Saturday, August 09, 2014
FORT BRAGG (WTVD) -- After spending more than eight months fighting in Afghanistan, more than 100 paratroopers from Fort Bragg returned home Friday.
The men and women are from the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, which is part of the 82nd Airborne Division.
Six- year-old Hannah Hourigan said waiting for her Army dad to come home was the hardest thing she has ever had to do!
"I was crying when he gone and worried about him," said Hannah.
She is happy now, however. Her father was one of the soldiers who cam home Friday night.
Renee Kimball and her husband traveled from California to welcome their son back for his second combat deployment.
read more here
Showing posts with label welcome home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label welcome home. Show all posts
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Soldier welcomed home to crowd of over 200
Soldier receives huge welcome home at Longview Regional on July 4
KLTV News
By Bob Hallmark
Posted: Jul 04, 2014
LONGVIEW, TX (KLTV)
At East Texas Regional Airport in Gregg County, family, friends and around 200 supporters waited as the plane taxied down the runway to welcome home 20-year Army veteran Sergeant 1st Class Kenneth Hanson.
Even with three tours in the Middle East and numerous assignments, nothing prepared him for the reception he received.
"I honestly thought I'd just see my wife and kids and then when I heard all the yelling, then I heard her voice, and I thought 'oh my...' I told her nothing big!" Hanson said.
The sacrifice Hanson has made has been equally shared by his wife of 29 years.
read more here
KLTV News
By Bob Hallmark
Posted: Jul 04, 2014
A happy reunion in Longview on July 4.(Source: KLTV News staff)
LONGVIEW, TX (KLTV)
At East Texas Regional Airport in Gregg County, family, friends and around 200 supporters waited as the plane taxied down the runway to welcome home 20-year Army veteran Sergeant 1st Class Kenneth Hanson.
Even with three tours in the Middle East and numerous assignments, nothing prepared him for the reception he received.
"I honestly thought I'd just see my wife and kids and then when I heard all the yelling, then I heard her voice, and I thought 'oh my...' I told her nothing big!" Hanson said.
The sacrifice Hanson has made has been equally shared by his wife of 29 years.
read more here
Friday, May 2, 2014
Budweiser “Welcome Home Our Heroes” Honors Vietnam Veterans
Budweiser Clydesdales perform for veterans in Orange
New Haven Register
By Keldy Ortiz
POSTED: 05/01/14
ORANGE
Scott Savary and Dennis Salzer soaked up sun, alcohol and, yes, the sights and sounds of horses Thursday afternoon as the Budweiser Clydesdales trotted out to help pay tribute to them and fellow veterans.
The two Vietnam veterans were among 20 honored as part of a “Welcome Home Our Heroes” campaign at Dichello Distributors.
The Budweiser Clydesdale horses’ ast appearance in Greater New Haven was eight years ago.
Savary and Salzer, both of Shelton, served in the Navy reserve together and look forward to spending time with one another. Savary initially invited a family member to attend, but that person had other obligations. So, instead of going alone, Savary invited eight of his friends.
“It was a privledge to come here,” said Savary, who served for 22 years.
Geoffrey Acampora, director of marketing for Dichello, which put on the event, said honoring veterans is something which needs to be done. With the help of Budweiser, Acampora said, donations are made to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which helps veterans and their families.
read more here
This is the video I filmed of the parade in Winter Park for Lt. Charles Nadd with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The parade was used in a wonderful Super Bowl Commercial.
New Haven Register
By Keldy Ortiz
POSTED: 05/01/14
ORANGE
Scott Savary and Dennis Salzer soaked up sun, alcohol and, yes, the sights and sounds of horses Thursday afternoon as the Budweiser Clydesdales trotted out to help pay tribute to them and fellow veterans.
The two Vietnam veterans were among 20 honored as part of a “Welcome Home Our Heroes” campaign at Dichello Distributors.
The Budweiser Clydesdale horses’ ast appearance in Greater New Haven was eight years ago.
Savary and Salzer, both of Shelton, served in the Navy reserve together and look forward to spending time with one another. Savary initially invited a family member to attend, but that person had other obligations. So, instead of going alone, Savary invited eight of his friends.
“It was a privledge to come here,” said Savary, who served for 22 years.
Geoffrey Acampora, director of marketing for Dichello, which put on the event, said honoring veterans is something which needs to be done. With the help of Budweiser, Acampora said, donations are made to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which helps veterans and their families.
read more here
This is the video I filmed of the parade in Winter Park for Lt. Charles Nadd with the Budweiser Clydesdales. The parade was used in a wonderful Super Bowl Commercial.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Soldier Dad Becomes Knight for a Day
Video: Dad Serving In Afghanistan Surprises Kids At Medieval Times
Medieval Times is a joyous place under just about any circumstances, but it was especially so for two NJ children yesterday when they were reunited with their father who has been serving in Afghanistan since November.
read more here
Apr 17, 2014
Staff Sgt. Devin Lee, who has been serving in Afghanistan since November, surprised his children at Medieval Times restaurant in Lyndhurst, N.J. CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez reports.
Medieval Times is a joyous place under just about any circumstances, but it was especially so for two NJ children yesterday when they were reunited with their father who has been serving in Afghanistan since November.
read more here
Apr 17, 2014
Staff Sgt. Devin Lee, who has been serving in Afghanistan since November, surprised his children at Medieval Times restaurant in Lyndhurst, N.J. CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez reports.
Monday, March 31, 2014
VA Maryland to hold annual welcome home for returning veterans
VA Maryland to hold annual welcome home for returning veterans
The Star Democrat
BALTIMORE — For Aliyah Hunter, 32, an Army veteran who was deployed to Iraq, returning home proved to be less smooth than she anticipated. In fact, she was home for two years before she opted to try Veteran’s Affairs health care to address the residual impacts of the war. “The VA was the first to help me understand that something was a little different — that a change had occurred and that I was suffering from some post-traumatic symptoms from the war,” Hunter said.
After separating from the military, and with help from the VA Maryland Health Care System, she began to embrace the transition of being home more openly.
Hunter is joining an estimated 200 other newly returning veterans for the VA Maryland Health Care System’s 2014 Welcome Home Information and Job Fair, which is being held Saturday, April 5, on the Essex Campus of the Community College of Baltimore County in the Community Center Building, 7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore.
read more here
The Star Democrat
BALTIMORE — For Aliyah Hunter, 32, an Army veteran who was deployed to Iraq, returning home proved to be less smooth than she anticipated. In fact, she was home for two years before she opted to try Veteran’s Affairs health care to address the residual impacts of the war. “The VA was the first to help me understand that something was a little different — that a change had occurred and that I was suffering from some post-traumatic symptoms from the war,” Hunter said.
After separating from the military, and with help from the VA Maryland Health Care System, she began to embrace the transition of being home more openly.
Hunter is joining an estimated 200 other newly returning veterans for the VA Maryland Health Care System’s 2014 Welcome Home Information and Job Fair, which is being held Saturday, April 5, on the Essex Campus of the Community College of Baltimore County in the Community Center Building, 7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore.
read more here
Monday, March 24, 2014
Budweiser Super Bowl solider ad nearly blocked by Army
Fort Drum soldier's Budweiser Super Bowl ad nearly blocked by Army: Report
Syracuse.com
By Geoff Herbert
March 24, 2014
"A Hero's Welcome" wasn't welcomed by everyone, according to a new report.
Emails obtained by Foreign Policy reveal Budweiser's popular Super Bowl commercial featuring a Fort Drum soldier was nearly blocked from airing. U.S. Army officers apparently considered a cease-and-desist order three days before the NFL championship game over concerns the 60-second ad violated military policies against active-duty members endorsing private companies or "glamorizing alcohol."
The spot showed Lt. Chuck Nadd, a helicopter pilot returning home from Afghanistan to a parade in his honor. He and his girlfriend ride a carriage pulled by Anheuser-Busch's famous Clydesdale horses, red-white-and-blue confetti fills the sky, and Nadd hugs his flag-waving mother in an emotional climax.
"Every soldier deserves a hero's welcome," the Super Bowl XLVIII spot's message said.
read more here
Budweiser Parade for Soldier Slammed
Winter Park Welcomes Home Soldier in Style
I was there. Nadd didn't get handed a beer when he climbed onto the wagon. He didn't pop the tab when he went to the podium to say thank you to the huge crowd waiting over two hours for him to get there because weather delayed his flight from Fort Drum. No one in that crowd held Budweiser signs or cans of Bud.
If the Army squashed this day for the people of Winter Park to show their love and devotion to all the men and women serving that Nadd represented that day then it would have been pretty pathetic.
Syracuse.com
By Geoff Herbert
March 24, 2014
"A Hero's Welcome" wasn't welcomed by everyone, according to a new report.
Emails obtained by Foreign Policy reveal Budweiser's popular Super Bowl commercial featuring a Fort Drum soldier was nearly blocked from airing. U.S. Army officers apparently considered a cease-and-desist order three days before the NFL championship game over concerns the 60-second ad violated military policies against active-duty members endorsing private companies or "glamorizing alcohol."
The spot showed Lt. Chuck Nadd, a helicopter pilot returning home from Afghanistan to a parade in his honor. He and his girlfriend ride a carriage pulled by Anheuser-Busch's famous Clydesdale horses, red-white-and-blue confetti fills the sky, and Nadd hugs his flag-waving mother in an emotional climax.
"Every soldier deserves a hero's welcome," the Super Bowl XLVIII spot's message said.
read more here
Budweiser Parade for Soldier Slammed
Winter Park Welcomes Home Soldier in Style
I was there. Nadd didn't get handed a beer when he climbed onto the wagon. He didn't pop the tab when he went to the podium to say thank you to the huge crowd waiting over two hours for him to get there because weather delayed his flight from Fort Drum. No one in that crowd held Budweiser signs or cans of Bud.
If the Army squashed this day for the people of Winter Park to show their love and devotion to all the men and women serving that Nadd represented that day then it would have been pretty pathetic.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Duck Commander meets Master Sergeant
Father returns from Afghanistan to surprise son at Duck Commander HQ
Shreveport Times
Written by
Scott Rogers
Louisiana Gannett
March 21, 2014
Josh Schreck’s Friday was pretty fantastic by any 10-year old’s standards.
He got a day off from school, got a tour of the Duck Commander facility and got the surprise of his life when his father, Master Sgt. Scott Schreck, surprised him on his first day back from Afghanistan after being deployed for seven months.
A crowd gathered inside the Duck Commander headquarters to watch the special moment. As the door slowly opened up inside the warehouse, Josh sprinted to his father and jumped into his arms as the crowd cheered and snapped pictures on their phones.
Willie Robertson walked out right behind Josh and grabbed the hand of the man he met months earlier during a tour to Afghanistan.
Even with the Duck Dynasty superstar at center stage, all eyes were on Josh and his father, sharing their moment.
read more here
Shreveport Times
Written by
Scott Rogers
Louisiana Gannett
March 21, 2014
Josh Schreck and his father Master Sgt. Scott Schreck meet "Duck Dynasty''star Willie Robertson.
LAGNS
Josh Schreck’s Friday was pretty fantastic by any 10-year old’s standards.
He got a day off from school, got a tour of the Duck Commander facility and got the surprise of his life when his father, Master Sgt. Scott Schreck, surprised him on his first day back from Afghanistan after being deployed for seven months.
A crowd gathered inside the Duck Commander headquarters to watch the special moment. As the door slowly opened up inside the warehouse, Josh sprinted to his father and jumped into his arms as the crowd cheered and snapped pictures on their phones.
Willie Robertson walked out right behind Josh and grabbed the hand of the man he met months earlier during a tour to Afghanistan.
Even with the Duck Dynasty superstar at center stage, all eyes were on Josh and his father, sharing their moment.
read more here
Friday, March 14, 2014
After nine months in Afghanistan, Reservist wanted Dunkin Donuts
Sellersville soldier welcomed home from Afghanistan
Montgomery News
By Bob Keeler
Published: Thursday, March 13, 2014
After nine months in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Reserves Specialist Nathan “Nate” Bergey asked for one slight detour before returning home to Sellersville.
“Per his request, they stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts,” Bergey’s aunt, Lynn Barth, of East Greenville, said as she stood among the group of people waiting for his arrival Tuesday evening, March 11, in the parking lot of Faith Baptist Church in Sellersville.
“That was one of the first things I wanted,” Bergey later said about the Dunkin’ Donuts stop. “That’s one of my favorite breakfast places.”
read more here
Montgomery News
By Bob Keeler
Published: Thursday, March 13, 2014
After nine months in Afghanistan, U.S. Army Reserves Specialist Nathan “Nate” Bergey asked for one slight detour before returning home to Sellersville.
“Per his request, they stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts,” Bergey’s aunt, Lynn Barth, of East Greenville, said as she stood among the group of people waiting for his arrival Tuesday evening, March 11, in the parking lot of Faith Baptist Church in Sellersville.
“That was one of the first things I wanted,” Bergey later said about the Dunkin’ Donuts stop. “That’s one of my favorite breakfast places.”
read more here
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Fort Hood single soldiers welcomed home by Army wives
Spouses help prepare barracks for single soldiers’ return
Fort Hood Herald
Madison Lozano
Herald staff writer
February 26, 2014
Troopers from 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, will be returning soon to Fort Hood and the family readiness groups are ensuring each soldier receives a warm welcome.
Spouses gathered to prepare single soldiers’ barracks Feb. 18, ensuring each came home to a room full of all the necessities.
“It’s a little something to say thank you and welcome home,” said senior battalion family readiness group advisor Lori Brooks. “Just enough to get them through a couple days.”
Brooks led about 10 spouses around the 2nd Brigade barracks, moving quickly to fill each room with goody bags stuffed with snacks and shower caddies overflowing with toiletries.
The group made beds with fresh sheets, folded towels and hung up brand-new shower curtains in about 75 rooms for more than 150 soldiers.
read more here
Fort Hood Herald
Madison Lozano
Herald staff writer
February 26, 2014
Troopers from 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, will be returning soon to Fort Hood and the family readiness groups are ensuring each soldier receives a warm welcome.
Spouses gathered to prepare single soldiers’ barracks Feb. 18, ensuring each came home to a room full of all the necessities.
“It’s a little something to say thank you and welcome home,” said senior battalion family readiness group advisor Lori Brooks. “Just enough to get them through a couple days.”
Brooks led about 10 spouses around the 2nd Brigade barracks, moving quickly to fill each room with goody bags stuffed with snacks and shower caddies overflowing with toiletries.
The group made beds with fresh sheets, folded towels and hung up brand-new shower curtains in about 75 rooms for more than 150 soldiers.
read more here
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Soldier made famous in Super Bowl ad visits Fort McCoy
Soldier made famous in Super Bowl ad visits Fort McCoy
Ocala Star Banner
By Andy Fillmore
Correspondent
Published: Friday, February 21, 2014
FORT MCCOY — U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chuck Nadd visited the Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans Retirement Village in Fort McCoy on Thursday.
Nadd, the pilot of a Blackhawk helicopter on at least 240 hours of missions in Afghanistan, gained notoriety during the Super Bowl when Budweiser aired its “A Hero’s Welcome” commercial featuring him and his fiancée Shannon Cantwell and most of residents of his hometown of Winter Park.
The commercial came out of a VFW program to honor one returning serviceman representing many. Cantwell, a native of Mobile, Ala., and a staff member with Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, entered Nadd’s name in the drawing.
After his name was drawn, the VFW became involved with the company that produced the 60-second commercial as well a 5-minute documentary that included VFW members sharing their homecoming experiences. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Al Lugo, director of the village, and members of the staff there, along with other local VFW personnel, were involved in the project.
For the two productions, Cantwell started a campaign to get Nadd’s friends and former classmates at Trinity Preparatory School of Winter Park assembled, along with his mother and hundreds of town residents.
read more here
This is the video I shot from right in the middle of the huge crowd.
This is from Budweiser
Ocala Star Banner
By Andy Fillmore
Correspondent
Published: Friday, February 21, 2014
FORT MCCOY — U.S. Army 1st Lt. Chuck Nadd visited the Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans Retirement Village in Fort McCoy on Thursday.
Nadd, the pilot of a Blackhawk helicopter on at least 240 hours of missions in Afghanistan, gained notoriety during the Super Bowl when Budweiser aired its “A Hero’s Welcome” commercial featuring him and his fiancée Shannon Cantwell and most of residents of his hometown of Winter Park.
The commercial came out of a VFW program to honor one returning serviceman representing many. Cantwell, a native of Mobile, Ala., and a staff member with Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, entered Nadd’s name in the drawing.
After his name was drawn, the VFW became involved with the company that produced the 60-second commercial as well a 5-minute documentary that included VFW members sharing their homecoming experiences. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Al Lugo, director of the village, and members of the staff there, along with other local VFW personnel, were involved in the project.
For the two productions, Cantwell started a campaign to get Nadd’s friends and former classmates at Trinity Preparatory School of Winter Park assembled, along with his mother and hundreds of town residents.
read more here
This is the video I shot from right in the middle of the huge crowd.
This is from Budweiser
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Birthday gift for 3 year old was Dad back from Afghanistan
Dad Returns Home from Afghanistan to Surprise Daughter
B101.7 FM
By Greg Thomas
February 18, 2014
Here’s the setting, a dad has returned home from service in Afghanistan. His 3 year-old daughter doesn’t know. Instead, it’s the little girl’s birthday and she gets to unwrap this gigantic present.
read more here
B101.7 FM
By Greg Thomas
February 18, 2014
Here’s the setting, a dad has returned home from service in Afghanistan. His 3 year-old daughter doesn’t know. Instead, it’s the little girl’s birthday and she gets to unwrap this gigantic present.
read more here
Monday, February 10, 2014
New York Marine arrives to an incredible welcome home
Local Marine arrives to an incredible welcome home
FOX 23 News
February 9, 2014
Albany, N.Y. - More than 100 people gathered at the Albany International Airport to welcome back Lance Corporal Austin Brozowski. His family and friends hoping to honor his sacrifice and service in a big way.
"We're just really proud of him. It's been a long seven months. We're just happy he'll be united with the family again," said his mom Kelly Brozowski.
Kelly Brozowski of East Greenbush has been awaiting the arrival of her son Lance Corporal Austin Brozowski for seven months. He's been serving in Afghanistan. As she prepares for that reunion so was her son, fixing his marine uniform pockets pressed, boots tied. Seven-year-old Micah was getting ready to welcome his big brother home too.
"I love him and I missed him, said Micah.
With just an hour to go before US Airways flight 4641 arrived with their hero family, friends and even strangers gathered. The Patriot Guard was lined up with flags ready. Next to them World War II and Korean War veterans also supporting Lance Corporal Brozowski.
read more here
FOX 23 News
February 9, 2014
Albany, N.Y. - More than 100 people gathered at the Albany International Airport to welcome back Lance Corporal Austin Brozowski. His family and friends hoping to honor his sacrifice and service in a big way.
"We're just really proud of him. It's been a long seven months. We're just happy he'll be united with the family again," said his mom Kelly Brozowski.
Kelly Brozowski of East Greenbush has been awaiting the arrival of her son Lance Corporal Austin Brozowski for seven months. He's been serving in Afghanistan. As she prepares for that reunion so was her son, fixing his marine uniform pockets pressed, boots tied. Seven-year-old Micah was getting ready to welcome his big brother home too.
"I love him and I missed him, said Micah.
With just an hour to go before US Airways flight 4641 arrived with their hero family, friends and even strangers gathered. The Patriot Guard was lined up with flags ready. Next to them World War II and Korean War veterans also supporting Lance Corporal Brozowski.
read more here
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Soldier made Dad cry
Soldier surprises father on her return from Afghanistan
Daytona News Journal
Anthony DeFeo
February 4, 2014
DELAND — Sitting in an anatomy lab class at Daytona State College's DeLand campus, Bill Holman and his classmates were told to expect a cardiologist to come in as a guest speaker Tuesday afternoon.
But instead, the visitor was someone much closer to Holman's heart. After a year serving as a combat medic at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, his daughter, 21-year-old Army Spc. Heather Holman, gave her father the surprise of a lifetime.
“Holy (expletive),” said the shocked father, as he turned and saw his daughter walking into the classroom.
The two embraced tightly and said only one thing to each other: “I love you.”
It was the first time since she'd been deployed that the father and daughter heard each other's voices, said Heather Holman.
read more here
Daytona News Journal
Anthony DeFeo
February 4, 2014
“At first it was really difficult,” said Heather Holman. “I didn't have anyone to communicate with, but then after a while you kind of become family with the soldiers that you work for.”
DELAND — Sitting in an anatomy lab class at Daytona State College's DeLand campus, Bill Holman and his classmates were told to expect a cardiologist to come in as a guest speaker Tuesday afternoon.
But instead, the visitor was someone much closer to Holman's heart. After a year serving as a combat medic at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, his daughter, 21-year-old Army Spc. Heather Holman, gave her father the surprise of a lifetime.
“Holy (expletive),” said the shocked father, as he turned and saw his daughter walking into the classroom.
The two embraced tightly and said only one thing to each other: “I love you.”
It was the first time since she'd been deployed that the father and daughter heard each other's voices, said Heather Holman.
read more here
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Budweiser Welcomes Soldier Home to Super Bowl Fame
Jan 30, 2014
Watch the Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII commercial "A Hero's Welcome" where we helped make one soldier's homecoming unforgettable. #Salute a Hero at Budweiser.com/Salute
Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII -- "A Hero's Welcome
Here is the parade I filmed
Jan 9, 2014
Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style on January 8, 2014. He flew from Afghanistan to Fort Drum and then flew to Florida arriving late due to the weather. This parade will be part of a documentary and commercial for Budweiser.
Watch the Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII commercial "A Hero's Welcome" where we helped make one soldier's homecoming unforgettable. #Salute a Hero at Budweiser.com/Salute
Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII -- "A Hero's Welcome
Here is the parade I filmed
Jan 9, 2014
Winter Park Florida and Budweiser welcomed home Lt. Charles Nadd in style on January 8, 2014. He flew from Afghanistan to Fort Drum and then flew to Florida arriving late due to the weather. This parade will be part of a documentary and commercial for Budweiser.
Friday, January 31, 2014
School keeps secret as Marine Dad comes home early
Marine Dad Gives Kids Heartwarming Surprise With Early Homecoming
CBS Los Angeles
January 30, 2014
MURRIETA (CBSLA.com) — A local Marine dad gave his two children the surprise of their young lives Thursday.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Clement was not expected to be home from a five-month deployment in Afghanistan for another six weeks, but when the military father arrived home early he used the opportunity to surprise his son and daughter at school.
CBS2′s Tom Wait reports Jayda Clement, a student at Shivela Middle School in Murrieta, walked toward the stage expecting the principal to deliver her honor roll certificate.
Instead, she found her dad waiting with open arms, telling her, “I’m so proud of you.”
The father and daughter were overcome with emotion.
“You’re making me cry, stop,” he told her.
The school’s principal, the district and family worked hard to keep the secret to make sure the moment was possible.
read more here
CBS Los Angeles
January 30, 2014
MURRIETA (CBSLA.com) — A local Marine dad gave his two children the surprise of their young lives Thursday.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Ronald Clement was not expected to be home from a five-month deployment in Afghanistan for another six weeks, but when the military father arrived home early he used the opportunity to surprise his son and daughter at school.
CBS2′s Tom Wait reports Jayda Clement, a student at Shivela Middle School in Murrieta, walked toward the stage expecting the principal to deliver her honor roll certificate.
Instead, she found her dad waiting with open arms, telling her, “I’m so proud of you.”
The father and daughter were overcome with emotion.
“You’re making me cry, stop,” he told her.
The school’s principal, the district and family worked hard to keep the secret to make sure the moment was possible.
read more here
Friday, January 24, 2014
Michigan Army National Guardsmen Welcomed Home
Families welcome home soldiers of Michigan National Guard 144th Military Police Company
MLive.com
by Molly Young
on January 23, 2014
"When I left, he was barely talking," said VanDusen, who lives in L'Anse in the Upper Peninsula. "Now he talks all the time, so that'll be a big adjustment."
Families reunite with more than 150 Michigan soldiers at Owosso homecoming on Jan. 23, 2014 at Owosso High School.
Hundreds of Michigan families are complete again after 153 soldiers returned from Afghanistan Thursday morning. The Michigan Army National Guard soldiers from the Owosso-based 144th Military Police Company were deployed for more than nine months in Afghanistan. The unit has members from all over Michigan.
"(My son) gave me a big hug and a big kiss and said, 'I have my daddy back,'" VanDusen said of the moment he first saw his son after the ceremony.
James was well-dressed and ready for the occasion, wearing his army-green, military-style T-shirt that read "Major Hunk."
read more here
MLive.com
by Molly Young
on January 23, 2014
Sgt. Tyler Vandeberghe, 22, of Clinton Township, leans in to kiss his girlfriend, Lindsay Rosenzweig, of Ann Arbor, as the two reunite in the bleachers as more than 150 Michigan Army National Guard soldiers of the 144th Military Police Company return home from Afghanistan on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014 at Owosso High School in Owosso. The two calculated they had been apart 271 days. "I about lost it," Vandeberghe said of seeing his family and girlfriend with a 20-foot-wide welcome home poster in the gymnasium. "As soon as I could, I ran to her. It felt really good having her in my arms again. It was perfect." Jake May | MLive.comOWOSSO, MI -- James VanDusen, 3, couldn't help but stare – and touch and grab and kiss – at the face that'd been missing from his life for the last nine months while his dad, Capt. John Van Dusen, talked to reporters Thursday, Jan. 23.
"When I left, he was barely talking," said VanDusen, who lives in L'Anse in the Upper Peninsula. "Now he talks all the time, so that'll be a big adjustment."
Families reunite with more than 150 Michigan soldiers at Owosso homecoming on Jan. 23, 2014 at Owosso High School.
Hundreds of Michigan families are complete again after 153 soldiers returned from Afghanistan Thursday morning. The Michigan Army National Guard soldiers from the Owosso-based 144th Military Police Company were deployed for more than nine months in Afghanistan. The unit has members from all over Michigan.
"(My son) gave me a big hug and a big kiss and said, 'I have my daddy back,'" VanDusen said of the moment he first saw his son after the ceremony.
James was well-dressed and ready for the occasion, wearing his army-green, military-style T-shirt that read "Major Hunk."
read more here
Friday, December 6, 2013
Vietnam veteran receives 'long overdue' hero's welcome
Vietnam veteran receives 'long overdue' hero's welcome
Montgomery News
By Dutch Godshalk
December 5, 2013
When Army 1st Lt. Ed Sasinowski came home from Vietnam 43 years ago, there were many things he didn’t receive. He didn’t receive his Purple Heart. He didn’t receive his Bronze Star. He didn’t even receive a proper hero’s welcome home.
But on a recent Saturday morning, roughly 100 of Ed’s friends and family righted that wrong. Gathered at his home in Maple Glen Nov. 30, a crowd gave Ed the homecoming party he never received after his tour of duty.
As state Rep. Tom Murt, R-152, put it as he stood before a backyard full of Sasinowski’s loved ones, “Guys like Ed had to go into combat, and after surviving, they had to come home to a country that wasn’t always that grateful for their sacrifice and their service. Let’s face it — back then our country didn’t even want to hear about your stories and injuries.”
Sasinowski’s was among the untold stories.
read more here
Montgomery News
By Dutch Godshalk
December 5, 2013
When Army 1st Lt. Ed Sasinowski came home from Vietnam 43 years ago, there were many things he didn’t receive. He didn’t receive his Purple Heart. He didn’t receive his Bronze Star. He didn’t even receive a proper hero’s welcome home.
But on a recent Saturday morning, roughly 100 of Ed’s friends and family righted that wrong. Gathered at his home in Maple Glen Nov. 30, a crowd gave Ed the homecoming party he never received after his tour of duty.
As state Rep. Tom Murt, R-152, put it as he stood before a backyard full of Sasinowski’s loved ones, “Guys like Ed had to go into combat, and after surviving, they had to come home to a country that wasn’t always that grateful for their sacrifice and their service. Let’s face it — back then our country didn’t even want to hear about your stories and injuries.”
Sasinowski’s was among the untold stories.
read more here
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Fort Campbell Giving thanks loudly for safe return of 345 soldiers
Giving thanks loudly for safe return of 345 soldiers
'Currahees' bring hundreds home to Fort Campbell for holiday
Leaf-Chronicle
Written by
Philip Grey
November 28, 2013
FORT CAMPBELL, KY. — The biggest return flight of soldiers from Afghanistan in recent memory could not have come at a better time than the evening before Thanksgiving.
And the hundreds of family members, friends and comrades waiting for 345 soldiers could not have been more unanimously in agreement on that point.
Certainly, for the soldiers who came home to Fort Campbell on Wednesday – nearly all from the 4th Brigade Combat Team “Currahee, 101st Airborne Division – the pumpkin pie will taste a little sweeter on this side of the world for this particular holiday.
What was even sweeter for all involved was a deployment cut short, from nine months to six months, for the best possible reason – mission accomplishment.
More Currahees are on the way home soon. Most will be in time for Christmas, as the transition of more areas of Afghanistan to Afghan self-sufficiency proceeds apace.
read more here
'Currahees' bring hundreds home to Fort Campbell for holiday
Leaf-Chronicle
Written by
Philip Grey
November 28, 2013
FORT CAMPBELL, KY. — The biggest return flight of soldiers from Afghanistan in recent memory could not have come at a better time than the evening before Thanksgiving.
And the hundreds of family members, friends and comrades waiting for 345 soldiers could not have been more unanimously in agreement on that point.
Certainly, for the soldiers who came home to Fort Campbell on Wednesday – nearly all from the 4th Brigade Combat Team “Currahee, 101st Airborne Division – the pumpkin pie will taste a little sweeter on this side of the world for this particular holiday.
What was even sweeter for all involved was a deployment cut short, from nine months to six months, for the best possible reason – mission accomplishment.
More Currahees are on the way home soon. Most will be in time for Christmas, as the transition of more areas of Afghanistan to Afghan self-sufficiency proceeds apace.
read more here
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Marine gets Lion's share of attention at Ford Field
Marine's surprise return from Afghanistan hits home
The Detroit News
Terry Foster and Francis X. Donnelly
November 25, 2013
Detroit — Michelle Munsee thought her husband was half a world away.
During the Lions game Sunday at Ford Field, the scoreboard showed a video message from Marine Capt. Joshua Munsee in Afghanistan, telling Michelle how much he missed her and how he couldn’t wait to return from the war-torn country.
And so Michelle and the couple’s three young children weren’t ready for what happened next.
At the end of the video, the family, standing on the football field, turned to see Joshua — live and in person — jogging toward them.
Michelle held her hand to her mouth in shock.
“Where did you come from?” she asked her husband. “I don’t even know how you pull something off like this.”
Moments later, she was still trying to get her mind around what had happened. It was a happy struggle.
“Stunned is a good word,” she said. “I was completely shocked.”
read more here
The Detroit News
Terry Foster and Francis X. Donnelly
November 25, 2013
Detroit — Michelle Munsee thought her husband was half a world away.
During the Lions game Sunday at Ford Field, the scoreboard showed a video message from Marine Capt. Joshua Munsee in Afghanistan, telling Michelle how much he missed her and how he couldn’t wait to return from the war-torn country.
And so Michelle and the couple’s three young children weren’t ready for what happened next.
At the end of the video, the family, standing on the football field, turned to see Joshua — live and in person — jogging toward them.
Michelle held her hand to her mouth in shock.
“Where did you come from?” she asked her husband. “I don’t even know how you pull something off like this.”
Moments later, she was still trying to get her mind around what had happened. It was a happy struggle.
“Stunned is a good word,” she said. “I was completely shocked.”
read more here
Friday, November 22, 2013
Lady Antebellum Performs Celebrate Me Home
Lady Antebellum Performs Celebrate Me Home
Watch as the Grammy award-winning group Lady Antebellum performs "Celebrate Me Home" -- the official anthem of Home for the Holidays!
The Letter
Rebecca Murga's film tells the heartwarming story of a little girl who writes a letter to Santa asking him to bring her mother home for Christmas.
Watch as the Grammy award-winning group Lady Antebellum performs "Celebrate Me Home" -- the official anthem of Home for the Holidays!
ABC’S “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” CAMPAIGN WILL DEBUT FIVE SHORT FILMS, WRITTEN, DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY U.S. VETERANS AND VETERAN CENTERED STORYLINES WITHIN PROGRAMMING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Digital Short Films from U.S. Veterans to Begin Debuting on Monday, November 18 on ABC.com
Grammy Award Winning Lady Antebellum to Record “Celebrate Me Home” as Official “Home for the Holidays” Anthem
ABC Primetime Series and “General Hospital” to Incorporate Storylines Honoring U.S. Veterans
ABC News to Cover Incredible Stories of Veterans’ Heroism and Inspiration
Across All Programs and Platforms
Daytime’s “The View” and “The Chew” Lend Their Support
As part of ABC’s annual “Home for the Holidays” campaign, and in support of Disney’s company-wide “Heroes Work Here” initiative, which served as the foundation for a recent Veteran’s hiring event at Walt Disney World featuring a keynote address by First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, ABC will honor our military veterans with several new elements this year by premiering five short films written, directed, and produced by U.S. Veterans highlighting the creative work from our military servicemen and women.
Five talented U.S. Veterans with aspirations to work in the entertainment industry were selected to create digital short films which will be thematically centered around U.S. Veterans coming home this holiday season. As part of the initiative, these five U.S. Veteran storytellers and their short films will be mentored throughout the creative process by experienced creative teams from some of ABC’s most successful series. The five short films will begin to debut on ABC.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, which will serve as the kick-off for the “Home for the Holidays” campaign.
In addition to the five digital short films, “Home for the Holidays” will continue its tradition in welcoming our veterans’ home through holiday greetings from some of ABC’s biggest names. This year, the seven-time Grammy award-winning group, Lady Antebellum, will record a cover of “Celebrate Me Home,” which will be the official anthem of ABC’s “Home for the Holidays.”
read more here
The Letter
Rebecca Murga's film tells the heartwarming story of a little girl who writes a letter to Santa asking him to bring her mother home for Christmas.
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