Local Soldier Welcomed Home

Another soldier was welcomed home this week, thanks to volunteers with the Project Welcome Home Soldier.

Army Spc. Rebecca Vega, a 2003 graduate of Wills Point High School, was escorted to the Ranchero Restaurant in Canton, by the Wills Point Police Department and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Department, where she was greeted by a crowd of citizens holding American flags.

Vega has been serving with the 399th Combat Support Hospital in Takrit Iraq where she repairs medical equipment. She is the daughter of Gustavo and Serasina Vega.

At the beginning of the welcome home ceremony Harold Tanner and Harry Fontenot, with the VFW Post 9171, served as the color guard and posted the colors.

Barbara Cooper sang the National Anthem, and Lettie Clark welcomed guests.

"She has been over there to do the job we sent her to do and we want to say thank you so much," Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial First Director Red Montgomery said.

"It’s a commitment by the whole family," State Representative Dan Flynn said.

"We are honored for your service and that you represent us," Flynn said. "…We are honored and privileged to have you home."

Precinct 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton then addressed Vega on behalf of the county and presented her with a proclamation stating October 22 was named Rebecca Vega Day in Van Zandt County.

"Thank you for your service," Melton said. "There is no greater honor than serving in the United States military and we are so proud of you."

Wills Point Mayor Scott McGriff also expressed his thanks to Vega, on behalf of the citizens of Wills Point, for her service to her country. He proclaimed October 22 as Rebecca Vega Day in Wills Point.

Wills Point ISD Board President Dyde Manning also presented Vega with a certificate of appreciation for service to her country and expressed his appreciation to her and to her family for how they raised their daughter.

Canton Director of Administration Jim Stephens also presented Vega with a proclamation naming October 22 Rebecca Vega Day in Canton.

Sandra Carter with the Neches River Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution presented Vega with a certificate welcoming her home proclaiming October 22 Rebecca Vega Day by their organization.

Montgomery then presented Vega with a pin, US Army cap and brick in the memorial plaza in her honor by the Van Zandt Veterans Memorial Committee.

He also presented her with a coin, pin, and a one year membership to the VFW Post 9171. She also received a one year membership to the VFW Post 9171 Ladies Auxiliary.

"I appreciate this," Vega told the crowd. "…It’s nice to see our efforts and sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. It’s very encouraging to know we have this support."

Vega also expressed her appreciation and love to her family for their support.

Others in attendance included Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace W. Ozelle Wilcoxson.

Vega has been the fourth soldier welcomed home in Van Zandt County since the Project Welcome Home Soldier was started in July.

Last week Ben Wheeler resident, Marine Corporal Keith Stiefer returned from a seven month tour in Iraq.

US Navy Medic Steven McKinley of Canton came home in September after being stationed in Fallujah.

In July the first soldier honored was US Army soldier Aaron Hedgcoth of Van.

All three soldiers were honored by the county through Project Welcome Home Soldier.

Families with returning soldiers are encouraged to contact Red Montgomery at (903) 363-2501, Jim Stephens at (903) 567-2826 or Debbie Phillips at (903) 567-2826, to arrange being a part of Project Welcome Home Soldier.

Vega’s meal was provided by donations through American National Bank of Wills Point.

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.