Ventura County 4th Celebrates with homeless veterans

Rescue Mission luncheon honors homeless veterans
Ventura County Star - Camarillo,CA,USA
Event at Rescue Mission includes meal, Seabee color guard
By Cynthia Overweg
Correspondent
Friday, July 4, 2008


With American flags flapping in the breeze and patriotic songs playing in the background, 16 homeless veterans were honored for their military service at a pre-Independence Day luncheon Thursday at the Ventura County Rescue Mission in Oxnard.

The veterans were served a home-cooked meal that included marinated tri-tip sirloin and baked potatoes as they sat underneath a canopy on the Rescue Mission's patio. About 100 other homeless men and women joined them at nearby tables.

Seabee volunteers from the Naval Construction Training Center in Port Hueneme performed the presentation of colors, prompting the homeless veterans to stand and salute.

"It's sad to see our veterans homeless. The least we can do is present the colors," said Builder 1st Class Andrew Buckingham, 30, who has served with the Seabees in Afghanistan. He was one of four volunteer members of the color guard.

"It's our way of showing our gratitude to those who've served before us," said Utilitiesman 1st Class Ryan Rygh, 27, who has served in Iraq and Kuwait.
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