Local Soldier Home For Holidays
CANTON—This Christmas was made extra special for US Army Specialist Jonathan Weiner because he was home from Iraq, and it was made even more special for him when he was welcomed home by family and friends Monday night during a special holiday homecoming in Canton.
Weiner has been serving with the Delta Company 123/617 Cavalry as Blackhawk Crew Chief in the northern border of Iraq.
He comes from a family tradition of military service. His grandfather Andre Ognibene, is a retired General, and his uncle Lee is a Major who has flown C130s in the Marine Corps. Also, his dad, is a disabled Army veteran.
Weiner has flown more than 900 combat hours and has received his Combat Air Spurs while working with the 10
th Mountaineer.
He has received his Combat Action Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Army Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and Overseas Campaign Service Medal.
After Christmas break, he will be stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Weiner and guests were welcomed at the Project Welcome Home Ceremony by Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches.
"We know these soldiers, when they come home, are not home for long with family," Koches said. "These guys are not home for very long and this is quiet a sacrifice."
Weiner was joined at the ceremony by his dad David, step-mother Victoria, brother Justin, grandfather Will Morgan and grandmother Hanna Weiner. He is also the son of Adrian Ognibene.
He was presented certificates from Janice Melton on behalf of State Representative Dan Flynn, Precinct 3 Commissioner Duanne Harvey on behalf of Van Zandt County, and Sandra Carter on behalf of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Weiner was also presented challenge coins and a membership to the Veterans of Foreign Wars from Harry Fontenot with the VFW Post 9171.
He was also presented a certificate for a guided fishing tour of Lake Tawakoni from Gregg Clark, and a coupon for a dozen donuts from Vance and Diane Brown with the Donut Shop in Wills Point.
Wills Point Mayor Scott McGriff, on behalf of the city of Wills Point, presented Weiner with a certificate proclaiming December 28, 2009 as "Jonathan Weiner Day" in the city of Wills Point.
McGriff went on to explain the events of his day, before making his presentation.
"You might ask why I tell you about my day. Well as we go through our normal day to day routines, we can do that because of men like Jonathan standing on the frontlines to protect us," McGriff said.
Also, Red Montgomery presented Weiner with an Army cap and a brick form which will give him a free brick in the future Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial.
"Look what I’m shaking hands with?" Montgomery said. "A real hero. A real American hero."
The Weiner family admitted not telling their son about the ceremony until the last minute, and Montgomery asked him about it saying, "Its not half bad is it?"
"No, it’s wonderful," Weiner said.
Families with returning soldiers are encouraged to contact Red Montgomery at (903) 363-2501 to arrange being a part of Project Welcome Home Soldier.
Volunteers and donations to pay for the meals are needed. Donations may be sent to Project Welcome Home Soldier, 605 East Tyler Street, Canton, Texas, 75103. Checks should be made out to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial, but note on the check that it is for Project Welcome Home Soldier. No funds for the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial are used to pay for the Project Welcome Home Soldier meals.
Also, anyone interested in making a donation to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Plaza, which is a separate project that funds the building of the memorial park set to be built at the intersection of State Highways 19 and 243, may call (903) 567-0657.
Donations may also be sent to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial, 305 E. Tyler Street, Canton, Texas, 75103.