Veterans officials and LCEC recognize returning soldier and long-time reservist
Officials from several local veterans organizations and LCEC staff welcomed home one returning soldier, and honored another reservist for his long service at a recent ceremony.
“They call us heros when we get home, but the true heros are those who support us here; support our friends and families,” said honoree Carlos Gomez. “And those who have not made it back are really the heroes. I lost a few friends there.”
Representatives from American Legion Post 351, their auxiliary, VFW District 13 and local Veteran Affairs helped honor LCEC employees Gomez and Curt Flynn, who served in the military reserve while employed at LCEC.
Gomez was in Army National Guard active duty deployment to Afghanistan as a reservist for the last year. A resident of Lehigh Acres, he was called for his second tour of duty in January 2009. This was his second deployment since his employment with LCEC began in 2005.
“You meet a lot of people who affect the rest of your life, even though you have only known them a short time,” Gomez said.
He thanked LCEC staff supporters, who sent many care packages while he was deployed. “You’d be surprised at how much a small note can mean, and Girl Scout Cookies are like gold.”
The other honoree was Curt Flynn, a recently retired reservist from the United States Coast Guard, who was recognized for his two years of active service in the Coast Guard while he was employed at LCEC. Flynn served as a commander for maritime homeland security from 2004 to 2006.
With more than 20 years service to the Coast Guard, Flynn served in ports all across the United States and was deployed several times since 911 to command anti-terrorism in the southeast and Caribbean.
He talked about what it was like to be a reservist.
“You work all week full-time, and then you may drive a half day (to report) on Friday, then put in a three to four day’s work in a weekend.
“You get the ‘call up’ and they say to get your affairs in order, update your will and then you wait. Once you report, you have anxiety about your friends and your family but it is balanced with a lot of positive experiences. There is no feeling like being part of something so big. You also bond with people who you only know a few months but you never forget.”
Veterans officials at the event included Dave Doty, commander of the American Legion Post 351; John Ebling, director of Veterans Affairs; Dan Woods, district Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Carol Doty, chaplin of the American Legion Post 351 Auxiliary; Louise Matson, past president of the American Legion Post 351 Auxiliary; Cindy See, past president/historian of the American Legion Post 351 Auxiliary.
Dave Doty of American Legion Post 351 gave poignant opening remarks.
“Our post was started in 1988, with a priority being to take care of our veterans and their families. It is stressful enough to leave not knowing if you will ever see your family again; we work with families left behind. We’ve been doing that since Desert Storm in 1990.”
Besides recognizing the accomplishments of the men at the event, VFW District 13 Commander Dan Woods reminded all to say hello to a veteran when you see them.
“Please keep your VFW and American Legion in mind,” he added. “I also want to acknowledge that the government just passed the largest GI Bill since WWII. This is for veterans to get a free college education, and medical benefits.”
“LCEC is extremely proud to have many heroic employees whose bravery ranges from electric restoration to the fight against terrorism,” said LCEC spokesman Karen Ryan in the invitation to the event.
“We’re extremely proud of the service they’ve given their country, and we are glad to have them back,” said LCEC CEO Dennie Hamilton.