March 25, 2004

Pro-America Spirit garners support for troops, marks anniversary

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Red, white, and blue balloons soared and flags waved as patriotic members of Pro-America Spirit marked their one-year anniversary on Saturday—coinciding with the start of the war in Iraq—with a rally, car wash and barbeque at Almaden Feed and Fuel on Almaden Road. Local residents turned out to lend their support, and the drivers of passing vehicles joined in, honking and waving as they passed by.

Pro-America Spirit, currently 150 members strong, was founded by Renata Carico to promote unity and pride in America and support America's servicemen. Over the past year, the organization has held numerous rallies throughout the Bay Area including as many as 300 participants. They have also partnered with the Operation Care and Comfort arm of the Red Cross, collecting thousands of dollars and items for troops overseas.

“It's nice to hear the cars honking when they see the American flag,” Carico enthused. “It means they take pride in this country, and in the symbol of this country. For me it's very gratifying, and it's what this country is about. We may not agree on all the issues, but we can talk it out, and that's part of democracy, and what's so great about America.”

“Our primary goal is to offer the public an opportunity to show their support for the troops, and to provide a contrast to the protestors in San Jose and San Francisco,” remarked Pro-America Spirit member Dave Roche. He was pleased with the public's turnout at their car wash. “It's been non-stop, one after another, with two or three cars at a time,” he observed. “We've got the barbeque going on, and we're out here supporting the troops.”

“It's exciting,” said Almaden resident Mary Malneritch, who came out with her family. “It's wonderful that they put it together. It doesn't really matter what people think of the war, as long as they support the troops, because they're out there, doing what they were asked to do.”

Standing on the corner of Almaden Road and Almaden Expressway, Daniel Hoffman waved flags, trying to draw attention to the event. He hoped to raise community support for military personnel in Iraq, as well as counter the sentiments of those who were protesting around the Bay Area against the war. “They might not be aware of it, but they [the protestors] are actually working against peace, against justice, and against the United States,” he said. “I hope the message gets out to the people on the wrong side of this issue—as well-meaning as most of them are—that they ought to re-think their position and support the President and the troops.”

Roberta Allen, wearing American flag contact lenses, red and blue star necklaces, and a ‘Support Our Troops' placard also manned a corner, waving at passersby. She has been involved in the organization since its start, taking part in rallies at the intersection of Stevens Creek and Winchester Boulevard, and collecting funds and items for service personnel. “I hope this event will raise a lot of enthusiasm from South San Jose residents,” she said.

“One of the things that we want to do is remind people of the good things about our nation, and the things we should be proud of,” notes Stephen Monfort, of Pro-America Spirit. According to Monfort, members of Pro-America Spirit also marched with the Red Cross in the Veteran's Day Parade and have helped package items for military personnel stationed overseas. “The care packages let them know that there are total strangers back here in the United States that care about them, and appreciate everything that they do,” added Roche. “It's a real important and powerful message, especially when you're far away from your family.” Red Cross Operation Care and Comfort member Julie DeMaria likewise appreciates the efforts of Pro-America Spirit members. “They're really a dedicated group of people,” remarks DeMaria. “They love this country and they really want to support the troops.”

War veteran Kevin Outman thinks Pro-America Spirit is wonderful, and that there should be more organizations like it. His brother, Brian Outman, is currently stationed in Iraq. “I'm a former Marine, and they come out all the time supporting the troops, and I just felt honored to be with them,” he relates. “My brother came home on leave for five months, and he attended a Pro-America Spirit event. He felt great that there were people back here in the States supporting him and his fellow Marines. Another guy, Frank, was at the rally, and had been in the first conflict in Iraq. He was shot, and wasn't able to come home before and see the support, and he said that this was his homecoming. It just makes you feel good inside to know that they're there, trying to help the troops. They're really special people, and I know that my brother appreciates it.”

To donate items, or for more information, visit the Pro-America Spirit Web site at www.proamericaspirit.org or the Santa Clara Valley Red Cross Web site at www.santaclaravalley.redcross.org/news_humanity3.html#quality