A Hero's Welcome

A HERO'S WELCOME FOR IRAQ WAR VETERAN: 

SPC. JESSICA HARTRANFT, US ARMY

WEST NORRITON, PA – JANUARY 10, 2008 – A Hero’s Welcome, an organization ensuring that all our Service Members get the proper welcome home from the war, will honor the service of Specialist Jessica Hartranft, US Army this Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 3PM at Spunktown Tavern in Boyertown, PA. 

Our hero returned home to the Philadelphia area from Iraq on January 3, 2008 after 15 months of service.  Jessica was greeted at the Philadelphia International Airport by her family, including her brother, John, an Iraqi War Vet, and her grandmother, a Women’s Army Corps World War II Vet; several Vietnam Veterans and volunteers from A Hero’s Welcome. 

Jessica served in Taji, Iraq for the US Army with the 512th Maintenance Company and provided security details at outposts and checkpoints since her arrival in country.  On several occasions, Jessica assumed the gunner’s role and manned a 50 caliber machine gun to provide cover for her unit, traditionally a male-only role.  As Jessica’s mom, Karen McNear, told us, “Jessica is truly a tribute to the women who serve in combat” and we expect to honor her as such!  Jessica asked that any local Veterans join us as she hopes to swap war stories and compare experiences.  All Veterans and their families are welcome to join us, as well as any well-wishers and Patriots. 

Jessica joined the Army after completing her 11^th grade year in high school.  She attended Pottsgrove before graduating from Boyertown High School in 2005.  Jessica will be home for 30 days leave before returning to her duty station in Germany.  She expects to begin Airborne School in Fort Benning, Georgia, within the next six (6) months. 

Spunktown Tavern is located at 699 Englesville Road in Boyertown, PA.  Their phone number is 610-473-9021. 

 AFTER ACTION REPORT: LT. JIM DEVLIN, US ARMY

A Hero’s Welcome coordinated a welcome home celebration for Afghanistan War Veteran and Holland, PA native, Lt. Jim Devlin, US Army on January 4, 2008.  The celebration was held at Tony's Place Bar and Grill (1297 Greeley Avenue in Ivyland, PA www.tonysplaceivyland.com 215-675-7275.)

A great time was had by all as we honored our hero.  More than 50 family members, friends and volunteers attended the event including the owners of the original Tony's Place, (6300 North Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA tonystomatopies.com) Joe and Joanne Mallamaci, and their Son, Joe, the current owner of the Ivyland location.  Joe, Sr., a Vietnam Veteran that served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and his wife, Joanne, donated the beer and soda to all the well-wishers, while Joe, Jr., donated the tomato pies for everyone to enjoy. 

Lt. Jim Devlin is expected home again in April, so please keep your calendars open for another great welcome home celebration for our hero! 

Please remember to support our great organizations, such as Tony's Place, that donate their services to support our brave men and women in uniform.