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A supportive welcome home

Family, friends, and just those wishing to show their thanks, come to Operation Hernando Homecoming to salute troops who have returned from war.

By MARY SPICUZZA
Published March 13, 2005

	[Times photo: Daniel Wallace]
	Staff Sgt. Daniel Cabrera joins the gathering of soldiers and families bowing during the opening prayer of Operation Hernando Homecoming, which took place on the Central High School football field on Saturday. The event included music by local high school bands and singers, plus a dove release.

SPRING HILL - Vicki Collett held a photograph in each hand.

She glanced down proudly at the images of her two children, Christina Collett and Michael Little, who are both serving in the Navy.

"Those are my babies, that's why I'm here," she said, sitting in the bleachers while waiting for Operation Hernando Homecoming to begin. "I may not support my president, but I support our military."

Collett and others gathered at the Central High School football stadium on Saturday for the event, which was organized to welcome all members of the military who have returned home from war.

"It's for all military, but in particular our troops who have returned since Sept. 11," Fred Glass, one of the event organizers, said. "I just want people to recognize the contribution they gave."

Glass, whose son-in-law Vincent Maribal is now preparing to go to Iraq for his second deployment, said Hernando is the only county in the state that he knows of organizing a massive welcome home celebration for the troops.

The event paid special tribute to members of the National Guard 171st Aviation Regiment in B Company, C Detachment Company and H Detachment Company, who returned from serving in Iraq and Kuwait in recent months.

It featured music by local high school bands and local singers, and a dove release in honor of Sgt. Dennis Boles, who died overseas.

"I think this little bit of recognition means so much," Hernando County Commissioner Diane Rowden, one of the attendees, said.

Operation Hernando Homecoming guests spoke of not only appreciation, but also offered support for soldiers trying to adjust to life back home.

"This is just a little thing that's an expression of our gratitude," state Rep. David Russell said. "And any help that they need transitioning back into the community, we're here to help."

The event speakers downplayed politics and said they wanted a better homecoming than the soldiers had when they returned from Vietnam.

"This is about the change in America, the very fact that we're honoring our troops returning from war," said Gen. M.T. Smith, who served in Vietnam during the 37 years he spent in the Air Force. "Americans are separating the policymakers in Washington from the members of the military carrying it out."

Most in the audience said they simply wanted to show their appreciation. They sat waving their miniature flags and clapping for the military members present.

"We're here just to thank the troopswho have served for us," Doris Myers of Brookridge said.

Mary Spicuzza can be reached at mspicuzza@sptimes.com or 352 848-1432.

[Last modified March 13, 2005, 00:22:15]