Photograph by Chad Pilster
Hometown Hero: U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Goggin signs a baseball cap for Jon Nichols-Gullet, 6.
Little League honors military personnel and safety officers
By Amy Jenkins
Instead of getting their baseballs signed by major league players, Willow Glen Little League players had them autographed by men and women from the armed forces and public safety on May 4.
Local representatives from the U.S. Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, as well as personnel from fire stations and police stations were among the men and women honored by Little League players and their friends and family on Hometown Heroes Day in Bramhall Park, located at 1320 Willow Street.
The day at Bramhall Park was packed with activities, from a hit-a-thon--in which players gathered pledges and raised money for the league by hitting the ball the furthest--to face painting, Little League baseball games and music by The Groove Doctors in the amphitheater.
But the highlight of the day was the hour when service representatives were brought onto the baseball diamond, introduced and awarded a certificate of appreciation.
"As the oldest Little League in San Jose, we felt it was our responsibility to bring our community together to honor our local heroes," said Don Barker, vice president of the Willow Glen Little League, speaking to the audience. He then reminded the children, "The adults in the fancy uniforms all have special jobs, which is why we're here--to spend time to recognize people special to our community. None of these people are drafted or forced into these occupations. In that sense, they are volunteers who willingly take on the task of protecting us, often with little recognition for their deeds."
This was the first time Kevin Meggs, 11, had met an officer from the armed forces. An outfielder for the major league team the Indians, and in his last year in Little League, Meggs enjoyed taking his yellow Labrador retriever Bailey into the Hummer that was brought to the park by Master Sgt. Dunson of the U.S. Army.
"The kids love the vehicle," said Dunson, who was invited to the event by Staff Sgt. Pablo Cheveres of the U.S. Army. "I tell them it will go anywhere from 3 feet of water to even 5 feet of water. But I can't say where it has been; that's confidential."
Other vehicles on display were a Sharks fire engine, a police drug abuse resistance education (DARE) car, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) car, and ambulances. Representatives from the Willow Glen fire station off Cherry Avenue were on hand and recognized for "being awake while we're asleep and taking care of us every day," Barker said.
"We are proud of this great community of Willow Glen that we live in," said Willow Glen Little League President Jeff Hogue. "Before Sept. 11, we took things for granted and it is too bad an event like that had to happen to make us realize these are the real heroes. On behalf of Willow Glen, we salute you."
Little League players shook hands with the honorees, many of them Willow Glen residents, and presented them with certificates.
Leyton Howard is a Willow Glen resident who has served as a police officer for 18 years and works in Los Gatos. Capt. Joe Viramontez has been a firefighter for 20 years. Capt. Jeff Barone has been a firefighter for 17 years. Willow Glen resident Karen Brown was honored for her service as a registered nurse for the past 28 years. Sean Korba has kept the community safe with the CHP for 26 years.
Some came from further distances to partake in the event. Master Sgt. Ray Manzano is stationed on Moffet field in Sunnyvale and lives in Sonoma County but gladly came down for the day.
"This is a real tribute," said Manzano, who noted that children approached him less than his friend in fatigues because children recognize that outfit from G.I. Joe toys. "Everyone here is very gracious."
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
