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JB MDL honors return of deployed Sailors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bryan Swink
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakhurst celebrated the homecoming of 13 Sailors who returned to their commands within the past year during a ceremony at Lakehurst Nov. 3.

More than 250 guests from JB MDL and the surrounding community honored Naval Support Activity-Lakehurst, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and Navy Operational Support Center-Dix Sailors.

Each were presented awards while their family members received a certificate of appreciation for their support during the Sailors' deployments.

"As hard as it is to be away, deployments are always challenging, rewarding and meaningful," said Navy Capt. Andrew Butterfield, 87th Mission Support Group deputy commander. "It's not only hard on the Sailor, but it tends to be even harder on those they leave behind. We thank and praise the loved ones who supported them, wrote to them, waited for them and prayed for their safe return."

Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Michael Rodriguez was assigned to the Aerial Port of Debarkation Navy Liaison Office at Kuwait from May 2010 to December 2010.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate Launch and Recovery Equipment 1st Class Craig Gilmore was assigned to the Naval Provisional Detainee Battalion at Baghdad, Iraq from February 2009 to February 2010.

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Sean C. Morgan was assigned to the Navy Military Police Battalion at Bagram, Afghanistan from August 2009 to April 2010.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Robert Lonergan was assigned to Kalagush, Afghanistan from June 2009 to March 2010.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Justin Treml and Military Working Dog Bendzi were deployed to Afghanistan in support of the 4th Infantry Division from November 2009 to August 2010.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class John P. Rosa was assigned to U.S. Forces Afghanistan at Kabul, Afghanistan from June 2009 to April 2010.

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Whitney Shelton volunteered for assignment on the U.S. Naval Ship Mercy from April 2010 to September 2010 where she provided humanitarian relief to six different countries.

Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Christian Magnin was deployed on the USNS Mercy from April 2010 to September 2010 where he provided humanitarian relief to six different countries.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate Aircraft Handling 2nd Class Shawn G. Baker was assigned to the Bagram Theater Internment Facility and the Kandahar Field Detention Site in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from April 2009 to January 2010.

Chief Master-at-Arms Doug Brooks; Chief Hospital Corpman Arwin Aviles; Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeremiah Fouch; and Chief Hospital Corpman Joseph Sprafka were also recognized but unable to attend the event.