Lakehurst hosts homecoming for deployed Sailors

Published March 30, 2012
By Tom Worsdale
NAVAIR

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst leadership hosted a Homecoming Celebration Ceremony March 28 here in honor of the Sailors stationed at Lakehurst who returned from deployment during the past year.

Returning Sailors were honored in a service presided over by Navy Capt. Andrew Butterfield, JB MDL deputy commander.

The Sailors returned from Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Butterfield and Command Master Chief Herbert Kelton, presented all returnees with Certificates of Appreciation for their service and efforts during their overseas deployments.

"It is my distinct pleasure to honor these outstanding Sailors for the service they have given to our country," said Butterfield. "I would also like to thank all those here today who support these Sailors as well as those who have served the military. Your efforts make it possible for our Sailors to better perform their duties knowing that the home front is taken care of.

Butterfield added, "We also pray for the safe deployment and return of those still serving in harms-way around the globe."

The event was attended by base employees, Sailors, family members and members from the Lakehurst Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Elks Clubs of Toms River as well as members from the Point Pleasant and the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society.