Iraqi Freedom Veterans honored By Michelle Symington MetroWest Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD There was standing room only left in the second floor auditorium of City Hall on April 3 as city and state officials honored 27 Iraqi Freedom veterans for all the work they have done for their country. The ceremony, sponsored by the West Springfield City Council, Department of Veterans Services and Veterans' Council, honored veterans who have returned home and some of whom are still serving overseas. Family members and friends of those who are deployed accepted the awards from the local and state officials on their behalf. Error Could not find template: ad/largeCity Council President Gerard Matthews, a Vietnam era veteran, began the ceremony by commending all of the individuals for their commitment. He also welcomed many of them home on behalf of the country and the city of West Springfield. "As a veteran, there is no better sense than getting on an airplane [to come home]," he said. City Councilor Paul Buodo, whose son James Buodo was honored, said that James has been in the military for 17 years and is now located in Portugal. He said his family had anxious moments when his son was serving and it was during those moments that family meant the most. The sentiments of the importance of family were echoed by Dennis Ott, guest speaker, captain for the Massachusetts 104th Air National Guard in Westfield and Iraqi Freedom veteran. He said that his wife and daughter attended a ceremony three years go that honored him while he was deployed. "It shows the sacrifice they gave," he said. He also thanked all military families for what they have done and for allowing their loved ones to fight as a way to help spread liberty. "I welcome everyone home and thank the families for your sacrifices," he said. Daniel Sprinkle, guest speaker, Iraqi Freedom veteran and major for the U.S. Marine Corps, explained that it means a lot to veterans to hear support from American civilians. He said medical and other benefits for veterans are important to veterans, but "it means more to hear a sense of approval from American civilians." While serving in Iraq, Sprinkle said the packages he received from school children were of great value to him. He added that the junk food and gifts from people were nice, but he liked to hear the approval from the American public for what he was doing out there. At the end of his speech, Sprinkle welcomed home all of the local veterans. Each of the 27 veterans that were honored last week received a citations from city and state officials for their participation in the war. James Berrelli, Jr. director of the West Springfield Veterans' Services, read a letter from Senator Ted Kennedy commending them for their work. Berrelli also read a citation from Congressman John Olver and from the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Affairs. State Senator Stephen Buoniconti read the citation that was given on behalf of Governor Mitt Romney. He also read a proclamation that was given to each veteran on behalf of the State Senate. State Representative James Welch read a citation that was presented to each veteran on behalf of the state's House of Representatives. Mayor Edward Gibson presented each veteran with a proclamation on behalf of himself as mayor and the City Council, which he also read aloud. Each veteran's name was called and they themselves or family members accepted the awards from the local and state officials. In addition to the proclamations, each veteran received a plaque and flags. Those honored included: Nathan Bech, U.S. Army Justin D.R. Bost, U.S. Air Force James Boudo, U.S. Navy Timothy Boyer, U.S. Air Force Mark Brancic, U.S. Marine Corps Anthony Burns, U.S. Marine Corps William Cassidy, U.S. Army William J. Champagne Jr., U.S. Army Anthony Ciollaro, U.S. Army Russell F. Cutler, U.S. Army Kevin Dassell, U.S. Army Timothy Douglas, U.S. Marine Corps Jonathan Forgue, U.S. Army Ryan D. Gawle, U.S. Army Thomas Geas, U.S. Marine Corps Craig Gregoire, U.S. Army Adam Kimball, U.S. Army Ana L. Lopez, U.S. Army Joesph Maurer, U.S. Marine Corps. Daniel McCarthy, U.S. Air Force Daniel Minahan, U.S. Army Carl W. Peterson, U.S. Navy Christopher Plummer, U.S. Army Ryan Silk, U.S. Marine Corps Jeffrey Sutter, U.S. Army William Wyman, Jr., U.S. Army Jeffrey Zaleski, U.S. Army. After the ceremony, Berrelli expressed the importance of supporting those who are deployed. He encouraged the crowd to participate in the Adopt-a-Soldier program by sending packages to local soldiers overseas. For more information about the program, call Berrelli at 263-3019. Care packages can be sent to the following local men who are currently serving overseas: In Iraq Lt.Commander Joel R. Tessier Carrier Air Wing 14 Unit 25121 FPO AP 96601-4409 Specialist Jeffery Sutter 220th Transportation CO. 181st Transportation BN. APO AE 09391 PFC Ciolarro, Anthony M. Maint.Plt.HHC 2/37 ARBN 1st B.C.T. 1st AD Fobsykes APO AE 09334-1138 SPC. Gawle, Ryan B/4-25FA, 31BCT., 10th MTN.DIV. FOB Blessing APO AE 09354 Daniel Minahan A CO. 302 MI BN APO 09342 In Afghanistan Jeffrey Zaleski 2nd Line Task Force Spartan ECO, 710 BSB FOE JALALABAD APO AE 09354 LCPL Brancic, Mark 1st BN 25th Marine C CO. 2nd PLT. Unit 72190 FPO AE 09509-2190.