- Welcome Home US Marine CPL Anthony Frazier
While a senior at Kelseyville High School, Anthony joined the Marine Corps in January 2007 as a member of the delayed entry program. In April 2011 he deployed to Bahrain off the coast of Saudi Arabia. During his deployment, he assumed administrative responsibilities for his platoon as well as being a driver for high ranking officials.
- Senior Airman Stephenie Tatum Welcome Home
Stephenie is a flight medic with the Air National Guard and has been flying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Germany, and the United States tending to injured loved ones sometimes under very dangerous conditions. Stephenie is based out of Will Rogers AFB in Oklahoma City, OK
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High School – Granada 2004, Nursing ROP class. Played softball in high school, a passion she has!
Air National Guard – enlisted February 2008. She was the guidon for her unit and built up quite an arm in 6 weeks at basic training holding that long staff with the flag. Stephi continued on to her flight medic training in Wichita Kansas for a month. After this she did 10 days of very Extensive Seere training in Washington which is a requirement for all military that fly overseas. This training teaches them to learn to survive in the wilderness and she can tell you more about that! It was pretty grulling.
Stephi has been on two missions to Hawaii carrying “litters” (injured patients) in both directions.
She also completed a 60 day deployment in Qatar Jan – Mar 1, 2011 working in the hospital carrying for the injured troops.
August 2011 she did a 10 day mission in Germany, flying the injured troops from Iraq to Rammstein AFB.
September 2011 to Jan 30, 2012 she deployed to Germany, flying the injured troops from Afghanistan and Iraq to Rammstein and also to the US. Troops to the US were going to the burn units in TX and to Andrews AFB.
Stephi when not doing her guard job works at the Moore, Ok hospital in the ER.
And when not working, she is studying towards her nursing degree.
===================
Thank you Azi for taking these wonderful images of the welcome home!
- US Army LT. IAN MORRIS' HOMECOMING
First LT Ian Morris, U.S. Army, has returned from a recent deployment in Afghanistan.
Ian returned stateside in August 2011 from his deployment but is finally returning home to Pleasanton. Another great opportunity to share our joy and pride in a job well done!
Ian graduated from California H.S. in 2003 and then attended Ohio State University graduating in 2007 on an ROTC scholarship. He graduated Army Ranger School in 2009 and has been stationed at Ft. Hood in Texas assigned to 4th Brigade Combat Team, B Company, 3rd Platoon.
- Welcome Home 1st Lt Thomas Murphy, US Army!
Thomas graduated from Foothill High School in 2004 then went on to UC Berkeley to earn his BS degree in Civil Engineering in 2008.
He joined the Army California National Guard and has been stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington, Ft. Sill in Oklahoma, Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, and Ft. McCoy in Wisconsin.
A few months ago he was promoted to First Lt. and Commanding Officer for the 649th Engineer Company in Afghanistan.
Among his accomplishments was being awarded the Army Achievement Medal for Highest Academic Achievement.
- WELCOME HOME SECOND LT. NICOLAS CHRISTIAN
We are so happy to announce Second Lt. Nicolas Christian, U.S. Army, is home from Afghanistan. Nicolas was stationed in southeast Kandahar at the Lagman FOB.
Nick's MOS is a combat engineer and as platoon leader in Afghanistan, he is so proud to admit all his men have come home with him. While deployed he earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for outstanding merit in his role of platoon leader
Nick graduated from Foothill in 2006. While at Foothill he founded the "Support the Troops Club". He continued his education at Norwich University in Vermont where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. His next challenge is to attend Sapper School in the Spring.
Thank you for your service to our country Nick, Welcome Home!!
- Wreaths Across America - San Francisco National Cemetery
To Remember, Honor, Teach, is carried out in part by coordinating wreath laying ceremonies on the second Saturday of December at Arlington, as well as veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.
This year WWR, PMF and other local VSOs gathered at the San Francisco National Cemetery situated in the northern center of the Presidio for the ceremonies.
America will never forget those heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
- Park Bench dedicated in honor of PFC Ethan James Hockman and Sgt Ryan Jeffrey Hopkins
Honoring two of Livermore’s Fallen Heroes on Veterans Day
PFC Ethan James Hockman and Sgt Ryan Jeffrey Hopkins were neighbors and childhood friends as they were growing up in Livermore. They played together in Maitland R. Henry Park located in their neighborhood. Ethan was a graduate of Livermore High School, 2003. His interest in public service began in his high school years when he joined Livermore’s Youth Advisory Commission. He was also very involved with California’s Youth and Government and served as president of that local organization. Ethan received an Army ROTC scholarship to the University of California at Davis. Anxious to serve his country, he withdrew from UC Davis after one year and joined the army. Ethan died on June 19, 2006. Ryan had a love for life and was sure to be found in a crowd. He was known for his outgoing personality. He loved golfing, skate-boarding, wake-boarding, and snow-boarding. Ryan died on Jan 8, 2010 at BAMC.
On Friday, November 11, 2011 Livermore Veteran’s Foundation and Livermore Military Families honored two young men for their service and sacrifice in the War on Terror. A bench overlooking the playground where these two young men played as children was dedicated to them in a ceremony.
- Welcome home US Marines Scott McEtchin and Brandon Alt
Scott graduated from Amador in 2009 and enlisted in the Marines in February 2010. He went to boot camp from June - Sept 2010. He was deployed to Afghanistan March of 2011 as a weapons expert -- he blows up buildings (what Marines love best!) and shoots the Shoulder Mounted Assault Weapon (SMAW). He was in 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1/5 Marines.
Brandon attended Amador Valley High School and graduated in 2008. He enlisted in the Marines shortly after graduation. He has been deployed twice: once on a MEU and the second time to Afghanistan. During his service, he learned the Afghan language of Pashto and served as the squad's linguist. He also received recognition for preventing security breaches.
Welcome Home Marines. We are all so proud of you.
- 2011 Purple Heart Outdoors Tour Blacktail Hunt Livermore
The Purple Heart Outdoor Tour is supported by Operation One Voice, a 501c3 non-profit organization. Other supporting organizations include: The Mule Deer Foundation, California Deer Association, California Waterfowl Association, California Outdoor Heritage Alliance and Safari Club International.
Purple Heart Outdoor Tour Founder, LTC (retired) Dan Hammack.
USArmy Reserve, Special Forces
(Green Beret)
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This years Heroes are US Army Rangers, 75th Ranger Regiment:
SSG Matthew Jackson
SSG (P) Arnold Fletcher
SFC(P) Tyson Crosby
MSG Craig Bishop
American Hero Paul Johnsen, 911 survivor and NYC
firefighter.
Warriors Watch Riders provided the escort through Pleasanton and Livermore arriving at Robert Rao's Ranch.
74 bikes, 15 cages and 1 HUEY Helicopter.
Can't get much better than this.
- Welcome Home USMC LCPL Garrett Meyer and LCPL Anthony Hunter
Garrett was always interested in the military so it was no surprise to his parents when he joined the Marines shortly after graduation. He entered the “pooli” program two weeks before his 19th birthday. Garrett had selected Logistics for an MOS but before he left for boot camp he changed his MOS to Infantry because that is where he had always wanted to serve.
He was deployed to Helmand Province in Afghanistan in November 2010. During his deployment, he was assigned to Golf Company's mobile unit where he served in various capacities until his return to MCBH on June 14, 2011.
He is stationed at MCBH at Kaneohe Bay Hawaii and is assigned with 2/3 Golf, 3rd Platoon.
---------------------
Anthony Hunter was with Garrett through the same deployment, same unit. His family drove up to surprise us all with an appearance and we were delighted to welcome and honor him with Garrett.
- Lcpl Carlos Orozco USMC Welcome Home
Carlos graduated from Livermore High School in 2007. In the beginning of his senior year he began seriously looking into joining the Marine Corps. He did not consider any other branch, his attitude was "If I'm joining the military it's going to be with the Marine Corps and if I'm joining the Marine Corps, it's Infantry...no other MOS!"
So in October 2006 he met with the local Marine Corps recruiting station in Livermore. And on January 06, 2007 he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps with his choice of MOS being Infantry.
Carlos left for (MCRD) in San Diego on August 20, 2007. After completing 13 weeks of intense and rigorous training he graduated boot camp, with Platoon 1046, Charlie Company on November 16, 2007. After completing School of Infantry training in June 2008 and ITB (Infantry Training Battalion) with Alpha Company on 28 August 2008, Carlos was stationed in Kaneohe Bay Hawaii, 3rd Marine Regiment 2nd Battalion, Golf Company 3rd Platoon 1st Squad.
On March 02, 2009 Carlos was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal for outstanding performance.
Carlos was deployed on Mother's day 2009 to NOWZAD Afghanistan, in the Helmund District. He was the point man for 1st squad 3rd Platoon in Zad Afghanistan. Carlos engaged in fire fights with the enemy and led his platoon AWAY from IED's. After a very rough deployment he returned home on October 27th, 2010.
Carlos' 2nd tour to Helmund Provence in Afghanistan began November 03 2010 and he returned to his station on June 14, 2011. As part of Golf Company 3rd Platoon 1st squad's missions, they manned patrol bases and were attached to ANP (Afghan National Police) as they went out on patrols.
Carlos has received a Combat Action Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Afghanistan Campaign w/Star, a Sea Service Deployment w/ star, Global War on Terrorism and NATO ribbon and also holds a Rifle Expert Badge.
Carlos will be stationed in Hawaii for the duration of his enlistment which will be up in December 2011.
- Welcome Home Lcpl Michael Lamonica USMC
Michael enlisted in the Marine Corp in February 2009 while he was a student at Las Positas community college. He had deferred entry until late July 2009. He graduated MCRD in San Diego in October as Pfc and then attended SOI (school of infantry) graduating in January 2010. He was assigned to Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii with Infantry as his MOS. He was promoted to LCpl in March of 2010.
Michael is in the 2/3 Battalion, Fox Company. The 2/3 is also known as the Island Warriors. They deployed to Afghanistan mid-November 2010. He had many different jobs. At first, they were training the Afghan Army and then Fox Company was temporarily assigned to the 3/9 in the Marjah area. He became a driver for the QRF - Quick Reaction Force- which assisted in emergency situations, provided needed escort and assisted the explosive ordinance and detonation team (they got to go out and blow up weapons caches and IEDS). Later, Michael returned to regular patrols --Lots of them! He returned to Kaneohe Bay with the ADVon team on May 13th.
Michael graduated from Amador in 2008. His favorite past-time is weight training and found time for it in Afghanistan where he was pressing over 400lbs.
- LTC Richard Burroughs US Army Reserves Welcome Home
LTC Richard Burroughs, US Army Reserves, a Pleasanton native and Amador Valley High School graduate, recently returned from a reserve tour of duty in Iraq where he served as General Medical Physician for over 1000 soldiers. He also has served in the United States Army, as Chief of Dermatology, at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The day after this welcome home, LTC Burroughs officially retired from the Army.
Thank you for your service to our country LTC Burroughs.
- Welcome Home Lcpl Nicholas Klein, USMC
LCPL Nicholas Klein has returned from a recent tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Nicholas is returning to Pleasanton to visit his mother, Laura, and two brothers, Matthew and Christian. Nicholas graduated at Amador High School in 2008 and enlisted in the Marine Corp in February 2009. He is currently station at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. His MOS is artillery but was cross trained to assume infantry duties during his deployment.
A great turnout from both community and WWR along with PGR.
This is what Saturday afternoons were made for. ;-)
Thanks Lcpl Klein for your service to our country. OORAH!
- Pleasanton Memorial Day Ceremonies 2011
- US Army SSgt Ricky Seymour Welcome Home
Welcome Home Ricky:
Ricky graduated from Amador High Pleasanton California June 1999
Played Amador football for two years .Amador Wrestling four years made it to state championship during senior year.
Family members.Wife, Danielle.
Daughters. Zamera, Serenity and son Ricky W Seymour the second.
His deployments Jan. 2001 to June 2001 Kosovo
Irag Sept 2003 to March 2004
Irag Dec 2005 to Nov 2006
Irag Dec 2007 to March 2009
Irag March 2010 to March 2011
Ricky is based out of Colorado Springs Fort Carson Colorado.
Inlisted in November 2nd 1999 Airborne North Carolina
Certificate / Commendations
3 Army achievement medals
4 Army commendation medals
3 Good conduct medals
1 Meritorious unit commendation medal
- USMC Lcpl Dan Hazzard Welcome Home
Daniel Hazzard has lived in Livermore since he was 5 months old.
He attended Livermore High School and graduated in 2007.
He then attended Las Positas College studying Fire Science.
In 2008 he worked for the U.S. Department of Forestry. He helped put out the many California wild land fires we had that year.
In 2009 he joined the Marine Corps. and then in September of 2010 he was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan. Daniel is in 3/5 India Company with the 1st Platoon. He is a Saw Gunner in a 0311 rifle squad.
He has always been a fast runner for how big a guy he is and he cares a lot about his fellow Marines. Out in town, he's a chill guy! From the words of Kyle Fujino, his buddy who is also in the 3/5 and is from Pleasanton.
He is a member of the 3/5 "Darkhorse" Marines that have returned home.
- US Army Mgt Sgt Erwin Ricafrente Welcome Home
Master Sgt. Erwin Ricafrente has just returned from his deployment in Afghanistan. He has been deployed since February 2010.
Spike and the WWR led the escort from the airport.
Erwin was born in the Phillipines and enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988 requiring his parents signature because he was not of age.
While in Afghanistan he was in charge of building and improving communication on various bases.
Dealing/negotiating with contractors, ordering and handling freight for projects and supervising the project.
He is married to Jeanette and has two small children, Mikkel and Amalie.
- Jonathan Brookner US ARMY Welcome Home
Returned from serving 12-months in South Korea, taking a three-week leave before reporting to his new assignment at fort Riley Kansas wearing the BIG RED ONE for First Infantry Division. While in South Korea his commanding office promoted him to Specialist on his 18-month after enlistment. Having made a decision to be a career professional soldier he is in process of applying for the GREEN-TO-GOLD program where enlisted soldiers have an opportunity to finish college where upon his new rank is a single-gold bar...Lieutenant.
A graduate of Granada High class of 2004 where he participated as a wrestler plus enjoyed music and being an active member of his temple youth organization. Upon learning of the death of Holly Patterson, a Granada High School student, earned the rank of Eagle, in Boy Scouts of America in her memory and proudly awarded his parent's pins to her parents' at his Eagle Court of Honor.
Welcome Home Jonathan. Thank you for your service to our country
- 1ST LT Jeff Salem, US Army
Jeff joined the Army in 2002
Completed Combat Engineer Course in August 2002
Completed Basic Airborne Course in September 2002
Operation Enduring Freedom: Deployed to Afghanistan in 2003 with 27th Engineer Battalion out of Fort Bragg, NC
Received the Army Commendation Medal, The Army Achievement Medal
Entered USMA Prep School at Fort Monmouth, NJ in 2003 and graduated in 2004
Entered USMA at West Point, NY in 2004
Earned the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge in 2005
Completed Air Assault Course in July 2006
Graduated from USMA in 2008 with a Systems Engineering Degree
Stationed at Fort Rucker, AL for Army Aviation Training
Completed Basic Officer Lea1der Course in 2008
Completed Certification in the OH-58D Kiowa Helicopter in July 2010
Stationed at Fort Riley, KS with 1st Infantry Division
Also known as "The Fighting Sixth: 1-6 Cav"
Operation Iraqi Freedom: Deployed to Mosul, Iraq in October 2010 as a Platoon Leader for Bandit Troop
- Welcome Home US Air Force Eric Heiling
Eric Heiling, Airman 1st Class in the Air Force - fuel systems specialist, returns home from a deployment in Qatar to a very warm welcome home on a chilly February evening.The Warrior Watch Riders picked him up at the airport, then surprised Eric at a local restaurant having dinner with his family.
Thank you Eric for serving our Nation.
God bless America and our Troops.
- Lt John Fields, US Navy Welcome Home
This was a very special welcome home for US Navy Lt. John Benjamin Fields, who returned home after 7 deployments, and leaving the same day for his 8th!
Livermore Military Families arranged a tremendous event.
Lots of people come out in huge numbers on this chilly, early morning to show their support and to give a big warm thank you to one of our local heroes.
From Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan's office, to the Granada High Cheerleaders, ( the first for this group)
City Counselmembers from Pleasanton and Livermore, all the military groups, VFW, BSM's, and others, thank all of you for making this welcome home extra special for our Lt. and his family.
- Welcome Home Cordell Powell US Army
Cordell Powell grew up in Pleasanton, and graduated from Amador Valley High school 2007.
Since he was young he has always wanted to be in the Army and protect our country.
So, He joined the army on the delayed entry program at at 17.
After attending basic training at Fort Seal he returned to Pleasanton for his senior year of high school.
He is now an army specialist stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia. He is returning from his first deployment in Iraq.
He is a hardworking solider with a lot of dreams for his future in the military. While on tour he rein-listed for 4 more years.
He will be home for the holiday's and his 21st birthday.
- Welcome Home Elliott Loewenstein, US Army
PFC Elliott Loewenstein graduated from Amador High School in 2005. Since he was a little boy he has always played army men and GI Joes, dressed in army fatigues and made weapons out of anything he could find. The books he liked the most had to do with army or war.
In 2006 he joined the United States Coast Guards Port Security. He attended the Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard Center in Cape May New Jersey (Boot Camp)
In Dec. 2006 he attended Engineering and Weapons School in Yorktown Virginia and completed Gunner’s Mate “A” School .
In September 2007 He decided it wasn’t enough action so he enlisted into the US Army Infantry Division and went for the “second time” to boot camp in Fort Benning Georgia .
He attended Fort Bragg for Weapon Specialist.
In August of 2009 he left Fort Bragg and went to Fort Drum New York 10th mountain division. He was deployed to Iraq in the fall of 2009, his job was a gunner in the turret of the Humvee and after a long 10 months returned home in Aug. 2010.
Elliott is the oldest of 4 children, 2 brothers and 1 sister and many extended family members who supported him through his years of service.
Elliott will return to Fort Drum after 1 month R & R to complete his remainder of his enlistment.
- Welcome Home Spc Ben Wigley, US Army
Ben graduated in 2001 from Del Valle High school in Livermore. He enlisted in the Army in 2005. Went to boot camp at Fort Knox in Kentucky.
He served in Iraq and then Kuwait in 2006. Back to Kentucky to Fort Campbell in 2007 where he and Maricris were married in Dec. Then was deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 til Nov. of 2009 when he was sent home to be with his mom for a couple of days before she died. His Dad had previously died before he enlisted. He was honorably discharged as Specialist. His M.O.S. was Generator and air conditioning repair.
He is now enrolled in school studying solar installation. He and
Maricris now live in Livermore.
- SSGT Robert Gross US Air Force
Dan Gross had a great idea last summer.
One of Dan's most favorite things are the “Welcome Homes” that he attends in Northern California. "They express a great deal of participation & patriotism in the Bay Area, and they are very popular with the local communities where I live. We are so blessed that there are people who care about our troops so much."
Dan's father, Robert V Gross was about to celebrate his 78 birthday on August 16th. Each year the Gross family has a mini reunion at Dan's sister’s home in Reno NV to celebrate his birthday. It just so happens that this was also the 55th anniversary of his dad's separation from the USAF.
"My idea was to tell my dad that I have a PGR Mission in Reno the same day as his party, August 15 but in the morning. I would trailer my bike to Reno the night before so I would be ready for the ride. I then asked him if he wants to ride with me for his birthday and see what the PGR does!!! He hears me talking about it all the time. We staged near my sisters house, visited for a bit with the other vets and then went back to the house for his “Welcome Home”.
It certainly was a birthday Robert will always remember as a very special day and a long overdue Welcome Home for this American Hero.
- PMF Appreciation BBQ Picnic
Pleasanton Military Families invited The Warrior Watch Riders,
Pleasanton VFW and the Ladies Auxiliary,
Pleasanton American Legion,
and the Lafayette Flag Brigade
to a Summer Barbecue to thank them for all they do for our troops!
We so appreciate everything they have done for us to help
make our Homecomings so festive, exciting and memorable!!!
AND
We couldn’t keep our Packouts going so successfully if
they hadn’t given us opportunities for fundraising….
with events such as the Gala, 1st Wednesdays and the Boutique.
It was a great day and so many of our friends came out to make this a very successful event.
- Welcome Home LCpl Jennifer Harper USMC
LCpl Jennifer Harper,
USMC, flew from Okinawa to San Francisco. on June 22nd, Took BART to Pleasanton and a
cab to the house. NO ONE KNEW she was coming!! What a huge surprise
for her family!!
She was not expected home on leave until January. All the facebook
Marines kept the secret!! Jenny is recently back from a MEU.
So, her parents decided to SURPRISE Jenny with a welcome home celebration on June 27th and what a surprise it was.
- Cpl Kyle Braun USMC Welcome Home
Kyle graduated from Amador in 2005 and entered Marine Corps Basic Training in
2006. He was a recruiter's dream as he had wanted to be part of the
Corps for a long time, walked into the recruiters office and said "where
do I sign?"
Courses taken during his service: Marine Corps Cannon
Crewman Course 2006, Howitzer Section Chief Course 2009. One deployment
to Iraq, Al Taqqadim (TQ) for 10 months in performing base security
functions. Lead a section of Marines in garrison and field duties,
trained Marines in multiple weapon systems, tactics and techniques,
worked with allied nation's military personnel to
familiarize them with USMC equipment. Served four years in Marine
Corps.In June of 2009 he received Good Conduct Medal for exemplary
service, Oct. '09 received letter of Appreciation for familiarizing
officers of the Uzbekistan Naval Infantry with the M777A2 Howitzer.
Kyle
has a brother and sister, mother, father, and step father who supported
him during his service, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
- Welcome home at Camp Parks for Petty Officer IS1 Noah Rael
THIS IS OUR FIRST COAST GUARD HOMECOMING WE HAVE DONE.
Petty Officer IS1 Noah Rael, USCG SDC Analyst Afghan Threat Finance Cell, Bagram
- Welcome Home SGT MJR Ben Inderbitzen
Ben has served in the US Army for 27 Years and has been a Communications Sergeant, Special Forces Qualification Instructor, Team Sergeant (A-Team) , First Sergeant and is currently a Special Forces Company Sergeant Major.
We are all grateful to Ben for his service to our Country
To his family and to America, he is our Hero!
Welcome Home Ben.
- Kristopher Smith US Navy
Welcome Home celebration for US Navy Kristopher Smith.
Kris with a K, as
he is known, has buddies in Pleasanton who joined the
military as well. They are both Cris' with a C!! This has been a life
long passion of his and his ultimate hope is to be a SEAL!! He was a
Navy Cadet for two years while in High School.
- Welcome Home PO2 Andrew Michael Comisky Navy, EOD
Andrew left on October 12 for Iraq. He was stationed at Warhorse, in Diyala Providence, and the city was Baquoba . That is a base north of Baghdad.
While there he was attached to an Army unit. He partnership with the Iraq Police in preparation for the elections. He was point for Base Response. Andrew and his EOD group would go with the Army and check for IEDs. If there was an explosion of any type, he and his group would go and check out the area. He was also in charge of all of their inventory from before they left VA, until they cleared customs in Iraq.
Andrew is the youngest one of their group. He just turned 22 on March 27. He has wanted to be in the Navy since he was in 5th grade.
- US Army Spc Matthew Grubb
Matt has recently returned from almost a year of "hard" combat duty in Afghanistan. He served with Alpha Company, 509 Airborne Infantry in Pattika Provence. Early in his deployment he was out on a mission with fellow soldiers when his MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle and the vehicle hit an IED (Improvised Explosive Device)(all survived) (most had concussions) and Matt who was up in the Gunner's Turret had some metal containers fall on him and he was knocked unconscious and had to be medically evacuated out by an Army Medical Evac helicopter to a Field Hospital. For sure this young soldier deserved this great Pleasanton Welcome Home!
- Welcome Home Airman Johnny Woodman
A well deserved and warm Welcome Home for Johnny Woodman, USAF.
In beautiful Livermore California.
Thanks to all who came out to make this a very special evening for Johnny and his family.
- Welcome Home US ARMY Spc. Taylor Gavello
Taylor has just returned from his deployment from Takrit, Iraq where he served as a combat medic
- Vietnam Veteran's Welcome Home
Dear Vietnam Veteran,
I know I should have written much sooner. I can’t say why I did not. Out of fear of admitting to myself you were there, fighting a war; or maybe ashamed – ashamed that I never accepted the things you felt you had to do.
Whatever it is, I know how it must hurt. Believe me when I say it hurts me more. I have the burden of your hurt plus that of my own. The pain of not being able to show my true feeling toward you.
I am not writing this for the months you served in VietNam, but for the many years you were left alone with only your brother Veterans. You served proudly and it went unmentioned.
For a long time, I’ve wanted to express the words. The words an honorable Veteran needs to hear: For a long time, I’ve wanted to hold you during your times of pa8in.
God knows I wanted to. And only He knows why I never found the courage. I do not remember what I used to say; maybe I do not want to remember. All I know is I hope that it is not too late to give you those things now.
For years you tried to be part of my world. Doing everything to please me, just to be noticed and given a little time and understanding…
I look back and see the demands I placed on by our shoulders when you were young. “Fight your weakness, and always show strength to others around you.”
Who was I to make such a demand?
I sit here with tears in my heart; finally admitting to myself the one weakness you must have seen in me and never questioned. My inability to say the words that I know would have meant so much to you.
Welcome home. You served your country honorably.
Please hear these words now, from my heart Please give me a chance to be a part of your world now.
The world I should have been part of long ago.
Love - America
- Welcome Home USN Petty Officer 2nd. Class, David Wainscott
From a very early age David KNEW he wanted to join the military. He looked into several branches of the military before settling on the Navy. In November of 2004 he signed up with the Navy's DEP (delayed entry program) He worked with the Livermore recruiters for nearly a year preparing for entry into the Navy's nuclear power program. He graduated high school in 2005 and entered the Navy in August of 2005.
Boot camp was in Chicago. From there he was in Power School in
Charleston, South Carolina for several years of training. In 2007 he
was assigned to the USS Georgia....the latest of the Ohio class boomer
subs outfitted to be a general nuclear submarine. He married his lovely
bride in October 2007. At the same time they were newly stationed at
Kingsbay, Georgia for David to start his career on his first sub. He is
presently an E5 or Petty Officer Second Class The USS Georgia was a bit delayed in her retrofitting, so he just returned from his first official tour of duty and is due to go out again for his second in April 2010.
- by Faith Pervere - Hultgren Welcome Home Airport escort
Hi Sherry
. I have two groups of photos. Three photo's are of Spike from 2/2/10, He is cleaning his bike before the pick up at the airport. The rest are from Capt Elizabeth Hultgren from 2/15/10
- Captain Hultgren
- Sgt Douglas Winter US Army Welcome Home
Douglas is finally home from a year in Afghanistan, Sgt Winter is with the 10th. Mountain Division US Army and has served 2 tours defending and protecting our freedom. We are proud and thankful to him and his family.
- A special Welcome Home for Sgt. Thai Pham , US Army
The WWR was honored to surprise Sgt Thai Pham who served in the US Army 528th Special Ops Battalion,with a overdue and well deserved Welcome Home.
.
Sgt.Pham was making a jump in Afghanistan and was injured , His spine took a bad hit when he landed. He was in for 3 years before this happened.
He has the Army Achievement Medal, Combat Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon and several more.
He never had a proper welcome home so Spike talked to his boss and told him we wanted to give Thai a welcome Home at his work. He was all for it and help to set it up.
This was our first welcome home of this type.
- Spc. 1st Class Adam Vanderhoofven US Army
US Army SFC Adam Vanderhoofven has returned from his second tour to the Middle East to a very warm Welcome Home in Livermore California.
Hooah!
- Captian Michael Moyer US Army
A warm welcome home for Pleasanton's own US Army Capt. Micheal Moyer.
A condensed BIO:
Michael went to Foothill High School, Pleasanton - graduated 2001, played volleyball, and was in wrestling
Attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo - BA Psychology He graduated in 2005
Army ROTC at Cal Poly
Got combat scuba, bubble patch, the summer between freshman and sophomore
George Marshall Cadet
commissioned: 2nd Lieutenant and went to army flight school at Fort Rucker in Alabama
Earned Ranger Tab 2006
Married in Mexico June 2008 to Kristin Creech
Went to Bagram, Afghanistan as a Captain, at end of Oct. 2008.
- Welcome Home Captain Jared Miller US Army
About 150 or more well wishers came out to welcome home one of our local heroes, US Army CPT Jared Miller
Jared grew up in Pleasanton and graduated from Foothill High School in 2002. In 2006, he graduated from the University of Colorado where he took ROTC and was commissioned as a 2LT in the US Army. The following month he entered active duty spending his first year in flight school where he became a CH-47 (Chinook) pilot. Jared spent his second year in the Army flying in Honduras and his third year flying in Afghanistan. He is assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY where he currently leads a CH-47 flight platoon.
Thank you for your service Jared and WELCOME HOME!!
- USMC Cpl Tyler Johnson
Welcome Home USMC Cpl. Tyler Johnson
Dec. 21st. 7:00pm.
Tyler graduated 2007 from Monte Vista High School. Lettered in Varsity Wrestling Joined the Marines 2007
Basic training at MCRD , SOI (School of Infantry) at Camp Pendleton BRC (Basic Riders Course) at Camp Pendleton
Assigned to 2nd Recon out of Camp Lejeune ,Sniper School – 2009 Hawaii
Deployed to Afghanistan May 2009 thru December 2009, spent all his time in the southern Helmand province
- USMC Lcpl Noble
A warm welcome Home for US Marine Tony Noble. Tony's mom, Loretta Masnada, is a member of Contra Costa Blue Star Moms Ch. 20.
Tony grew up in Concord, CA, and attended Concord High School. .
Tony enlisted with the Marine Corps in late 2007 and graduated from Basic Training in February 2008, at which time he was promoted to Private First Class. He graduated from School of Infantry in May 2008, received an award for Missleman Honor Graduate, and was promoted to Lance Corporal. He is based at Camp Pendleton.
Lcpl Noble has just returned from a deployment to Afghanistan.
- usmc Lcpl Chris Trader Homecoming
WE WELCOME HOME LANCE CORPORAL CHRIS TRADER, USMC.
CHRIS IS A FOOTHILL 2007 GRAD, AND HAS JUST TURNED 20 YEARS OLD. HE BRAVELY SERVED IN AFGHANISTAN FOR 8 MONTHS.
HIS M.O.S IS A FIREFIGHTER.
HIS PROUD DAD AND STEPMOM ARE PMF'S OWN JEFF AND MAREN TRADER
HIS LOVELY GIRLFRIEND IS ALICIA WONG
- GATKIN/AGUILAR
LPFD Fire Captain Josh Gatkin, fellow Firefighters, family and friends welcomed home 4 California National Guardsmen from 1-184 Infantry Bravo Company
OUR RETURNING HEROES ARE:
Cpl. Justin Aguilar
Spc. Jonathan Gatkin
Not present but honored:
Sgt. Michael Avila
Sgt. David Peterson
We thank them for their service to our country and so happy to have them back home..
- Welcome Home Cpl Joshua Woodruff USMC
A combined Welcome Home, Thank You and End of Service celebration for Joshua as he returns from his second tour in Iraq. Proud Parents Renee and Jon Woodruff along with family and friends, WWR and PGR , LFPD, and boy scouts, came to give honor and thanks to this brave Marine for his service to our country.
- LCpl Christopher Partridge
US Marine, LCpl Christopher Partridge is home form his deployment to Iraq.
A wonderful celebration to thank him for his service to our country. The entire neighborhood plus many, many PMF members and WWR and PGR were on hand to make this a very special evening for Chris and his family.
The neighbors made a lot of food for everyone too.
Certainly a night to remember.
Thanks to everyone who participated.
- USMC Lcpl Christopher Motl
Welcome Home US Marine Christopher Motl. Christopher's unit has been stationed in Ramadi, Iraq, where he has been training Iraqi Police
Chris was trained as a machine gunner, and was also the Cougar MRAP Vehicle Driver.
Before joining the marines, Chris was a Boy Scout, where he advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout.
Chris also joined the Antioch PD as a Explorer, with his sites set on a degree in criminal justice.
Sounds like Chris is another one of those great Americans that the marines are honored to have in their ranks.
- Vietnam Veteran Sgt. Larry Fields , US Army
A long over due Welcome Home and Thank you for Sgt Fields.
This Veteran also has a Silver Star , RVN Gallantry Cross ,3 Purple Hearts , 4 Bronze Medals
4 Army Air Medals and many more.
What a wonderful, brave soldier. We are all so very grateful for his service to our country, and finally had the chance to let him know how much this community appreciates all he did to defend and protect our freedom.
- Honoring Chris Miller for his support of our Military and Their Families
The Pleasanton Military Families Support Group, known for its boisterous welcome home celebrations for troops returning from service in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, gathered Saturday to honor one of their own--Chris Miller, who has stepped down as its president.Thank you Chris for all you have done and continue to do for us all.
- US Army Sgt Michelle Sanchez Welcome Home
Sergeant Michelle K Sanchez joined the Army Reserves on May 25, 2002
and attended Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC. Upon completion of
basic training, she was sent to Ft. Eustis, VA for AIT training and
was awarded the MOS 88H Cargo Specialist. Upon graduation of AIR, she was assigned to the 211th TC reserve unit in Valejo, CA where she
deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January
2003 to August 2004. In May 2006, she made the decision to go Active
Duty and was assigned to the 1st CTC in Kaiserslautern, Germany where she worked as a Cargo Specialist. In October 2006, she was selectedto serve as the driver for the DCG of HHC, 21st TSC. In August 2007 she moved to Grafenwoehr, Germany and was assigned to the HHC, 18th CSSB where she served as the Battalion Commander Secretary. She is currently serving as the HHC, PAC NCOIC.
Her awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army
Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service
Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device, Combat Action Badge and the Drivers Badge.
- Spc Aaron Jagger US Army - Welcome Home
- US Army Spc Kester Willy ( short version)
- Cpl Aaron McCrea Pre-deployment send-off & LCpl Travis McCrea Welcome Home
On Sunday, August 30th, the Mc Crea Family of Livermore, gave a surprise Welcome Home for son Travis, returning from his tour on the USS Boxer. In addition, brother Aaron will be redeploying at the end of September and will be home for his pre-deploy leave.
The family was escorted by Warriors' Watch Riders.
- US Marines, Cpl Minerva, Cpl Zinke-Zagarella, LCpl Silva- Welcome Home
- Welcome Home Sgt Behrendt USMC
Thank you Kevin for your service. We are all so glad to have you back home.
- Welcome Home LCPLAndy Bowen
- Airman SSgt Sean Pellaton- Welcome Home
Sean is returning from his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. His first was at Bagram Air Base about 25 miles north of Kabul in 2008. This tour was a little more dangerous as he was stationed on the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan at Kandahar and then at an outward staging area for about a month. Sean's Duty is Combat Search and Rescue as a Door Gunner. He is a crew member of four flying the HH60G Pave Hawk Helicopter manning either a Mini Gatling gun or a 50 cal big weapon. They flew about 3 to 5 missions a day mostly rescuing injured Afghani civilians that have been victims of car bombing, mortar attacks and/or gun fire.
- LCpl Waldron - Photos by Robin Neal
Warriors Watch Riders escort wounded warrior LCpl Timothy Waldon to his Welcome Home Celebration in Pleasanton CA
- Wounded Warrior LCpl Tim Waldron USMC Welcome Home
1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division which is currently attached to the amphibiously deployed 13th MEU which has been a reserve force for CENTCOM and has been conducting counter-piracy mission around Somalia. On May 25 Tim Waldron was severely injured by a defective mortar explosion during an exercise in Djibouti. Essentially a bad round exploded in the mortar tube and Tim and another marine were hit.
Tim had a flack jacket on but received serious shrapnel wounds with abdominal, heart, rectal and stomach injuries, as well as serious damage to his neck and jaw.
A corpsman at the scene provided immediate treatment which is credited with saving Tim's life. The other marine's injuries were less serious.
Tim Waldron joined the Marines a few months after graduating from Davis High School in 2005. He went to Iraq in the summer of 2007, serving a few miles from Fallujah.
This go-round, he was on a six-month tour of duty with Bravo Company, arriving in the Gulf of Aden on the troop carrier USS Comstock on May 23.
Tim is doing very well and will be heading back to Camp Pendleton on July 9th
Thank you LCpl Waldron for your service to our country. We are all indebted to you for your Dedication to Duty, Honor, and Country.
- Airman 1st Class Kristie Miller Homecoming
Airman 1st Class Kristie Miller from the 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Kadena Air Base, . Airman Miller from the 33rd Rescue Squadron returned recently from a deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
Kristie's proud and very happy parents are Scott and Becky Miller.
- Mjr Sean P Smith USMC - We Thank you
- Ssgt Andrew Haskins USAF Homecoming
- USMC Homecoming
Community gathers to honor a US Marine ( not identified per request)
- Welcome Home Spike Pt 3
- Welcome Home Spike Pt 2
- Welcome Home Spike Pt 1
- Welcome Home Lcpl Kevin Fonseca, USMC
- Danville Homecoming celebration for four US Marines
- Sgt Nicholas Parks Homecoming
- Lcpl Douglas Huggard
- Spc Robert Maggio Homecoming
- Jay Wilkerson's Welcome Home Celebration
- SGT. Joe Quirarte,US Army, Airport Welcome Back Celebration
SGT. Joe Quirarte (U.S. Army) is returning to the Bay Area (his second
overseas deployment) after a 13 month deployment to Iraq. Mom is Debbie Smyser, Co-Founder - Pacifica Military Moms
- Cpl Alan Wiggins Homecoming
- Spc Joel Catalano, US Army Homecoming
- Cpt Tom Daggett USMC
Capt Tom is returning home from a tour in Iraq where he flew the armed Marine Corps Cobra helicopter.
America thanks you Capt Daggett for your service to our country. WELCOME HOME!!
- Christopher De Pretis's Homecoming
- Spc Curren Dresser Homecoming
- CPL Michael Ekland
- Welcome Home Lcpl Tyler Schmidt
- CPL Matthew Yarbrough, USMC
- Robert Baker Hmecoming
- Sgt Jennifer Gomez, US Army, Homecoming
- LCpl Arron McCrea Homecoming
- Homecoming for Lcpl. Jesse Pearson USMC
- US Marines Woodruff Homecoming
- Adam Vanderhoofven, Welcome Home
- Garrett's Homecoming, Saturday, December 22nd 2007
- 110 Marines
