June 17, 2004

A soldier homecoming

341st Military Police Army Reserve Company to return Saturday

A citywide celebration is being planned to welcome home 165 members of the 341st Military Police Army Reserve Company at 11:50 a.m. on Saturday at Moffett Field. Family and friends are encouraged to attend and welcome them home.

Having been in Iraq since March 2003, the homecoming, according to Vice Mayor Pat Dando’s office is “long overdue.”

In May, the city of San Jose formally adopted the company unit through America Supporting Americans, a nonprofit organization that encourages cities throughout the country to support the troops by sending letters, packages and planning homecoming events.

One week later, San Jose was actively preparing for their homecoming celebration. With footlockers closed and departure preparations in place, the 341st was looking forward to returning to their loved ones. Yet, five days before they were to board a plane and leave the Sunni Triangle, the order came down to extend their stay for a second time, putting celebration plans on hold—plans that are now back in full swing, in preparation for their arrival on Saturday.

The Hispanic and Silicon Valley Chambers of Commerce, along with businesses in the area have rallied around the celebration plans, including Able Printing, Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, the San Jose Hyatt, BFI, and Manpower—donating programs, food, and other items to the event.

For more information, contact Vice Mayor Pat Dando’s office at (408) 277-5251.

—By Kymberli W. Brady