Lt. Jonathan Leetch graduated from Foothill High School, Pleasanton, and began ROTC while studying at San Francisco State University. Following his graduation, he was commissioned as an Air Force Officer and began his flight training and Initial Flight Screening (IFS) on the DA-20 single prop aircraft in Pueblo, CO.

After earning his wings in February, he went to Washington for Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training. Upon the completion of his training on the MC-12 aircraft, he was deployed to Afghanistan from August 2012 to March 2013. During that time he logged over 700 combat flight hours piloting the MC-12.

Next, he’ll be in Oklahoma to train on the C-17 transport jet. He expects to be in a number of countries on various types of missions over the next several years.

→ View The Welcome Home Slideshow

Corporal Marc De Pretis grew up in Pleasanton and joined the U.S. Marines shortly after graduating from high school in 2008. After his initial training at MCRD in San Diego and graduating from the School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, Marc was assigned to the 2/7 Golf of the 1st Marine Division based in Twenty Nine Palms, CA where he continued his training. Marc has served as a team leader and a squad leader attaining his current rank of Corporal.
Marc has deployed three times. In 2010 he deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Southeast Asia. During his first MEU Marc was a Jungle Warfare Instructor. That same year, Marc became a team leader. In 2011 he deployed a second time with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit in Southeast Asia, where he picked up Squad Leader as a Lance Corporal and picked up Corporal in June 2012. In September 2012 Marc deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan where he served as an Assistant Patrol Leader and he was one of three Vehicle Commanders. He was also one of two designated marksmen in his Platoon. During his time in Afghanistan, Marc’s Squad was successful in capturing a high value terrorist.

Marc will complete his service to his Country in August 2013 having served for five years. Marc has served his Country bravely. He has been an exemplary leader and we are tremendously proud of him.

Nate began his training for Army Infantry in Ft Benning, GA in January 2011. Upon completion of his training in April 2011, he went on to Airborne School also in Ft. Benning and graduated in May of 2011 where he was immediately assigned to the 173rd Airborne based in Vicenza, Italy.

Nate has served as a paratrooper in the Army with the 173rd Airborne for nearly two years now. Nate earned his Canadian Jump wings by jumping with the Canadian Army in Poland.

In July of 2012, Nate was deployed to Afghanistan as a Grenadier for his squad and as the Advanced Combat Life Savor for his Platoon. Within 10 days of arriving, his unit was attacked and the lives of two of his closest friends were lost. That day, Nate proved himself a hero. Nate’s squad leader, Sgt. Morrison, wrote these words when recommending him for a commendation:
“He quickly and safely maneuvered himself tosupport his comrades at the blast site and provided the proper lifesaving steps saving the lives of two injured Soldiers…
Under enemy fire, without regard to his own safety, he provided casualty care, shielding them while the machine gunners suppressed enemy maneuver…
He alone moved a casualty three hundred meters and loaded him in the bird, then took up a security position and defended the site for seven more hours during remains and equipment recovery, and the exploitation of the blast site. He was vital in repelling two more enemy small arms attacks during the next seven hours, exposing himself multiple times to enemy rounds to put fire on the enemy location.

Nate has approximately 1 year remaining on his contract where he is expected to remain in Italy with the 173rd. We are exceedingly proud of our son and the man and hero that he has become.

Besides his military accomplishments, Nate has recently become the proud dad of James M. De Pretis.

→ View The Welcome Home Slideshow

Jason Matthew Ross, was born on May 31, 1983. El Camino Hospital, Mt. View, CA Grew up a very inquisitive an energetic young boy and developed into a young man who wanted to do something special for his country. He joined the Marines right out of high school, with an original induction date of September 11, 2001. As a result of the attack on the Towers, he was pushed out a week, and actually joined on September 17, 2001. He went through Boot Camp and was on the Color Guard for their graduation. Because he is an Eagle Scout he came out of Boot Camp with a stripe (PFC). Initially he trained and performed the duties of a disbursing clerk, and was ready to get out of the Marines until a new opportunity came along that would allow him to “play” with bombs. He volunteered for Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) in 2005 and soon after was at their training facility in Florida. He graduated as one of the top in his class and over the next five years became very good at doing his job. He was deployed to Afghanistan, to help the 3/8 Marines, since there was a great deal of trouble going on over there at the end of 2010 and into the beginning of 2011, and he quickly made a name for himself in being able to deal with the difficult aspects encountered with the job of EOD Tech. On March 7, 2011, while returning from a mission to clear a village Jason stepped on an IED, that nearly took his life. He was the fourth guy in line, but because he was the biggest and heaviest it went off when he ran across it. He lost the lower half of his body to the explosion and to the ensuing infections that came with it. The damage of that 10lbs. of explosives was so great that the doctors could hardly believe he was still alive, but then Jason is stubborn that way. The past two plus years has been dealing with his healing and recovery, and it looks like there is still another year or so that will need to be dealt with, before it is complete…

→ View The Welcome Home Slideshow

To the ones I love
When I leave, let me go, I have many things to see and do. Do not cling to me with your tears, rather be happy that we had many years together. I gave you my love and I hope you know how happy that made me. I give you thanks for all the love that each of you granted me. But now it is time for me to travel alone. Mourn me only for a short while if you have to and then let your pain subside, because we will only be separated for a while. And blessed are all the memories your heart. I will not be far from you and life does go on. If you need me, call me and I will come. Although you will not be able to touch me, I will be here with you. And, if you listen to the beat of your heart, you will clearly hear my love for you. When your time comes for you to walk your own journey, i will be here to welcome you with a bright smile and I will say, “welcome home”

It is with great respect that we write this letter of thanks to you and the Diablo Valley Flag Brigade for making our daughter’s return from service in Afghanistan as one that will always be remembered with love.

Six-days have passed since Katy’s homecoming celebration and we are still talking about the event with smiles on our faces and, at times, tears of joy. We had so much fun providing you with the information that you needed for your behind-the-scenes preparation and at the same time, nervousness, as we tried to keep the plans secret from Katy.

The anticipation and excitement continued to build as we awaited the arrival of the motorcycle group at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Brentwood. Katy’s back was to the front door as they entered the restaurant. Someone in the lead yelled out, “Where’s my Marine?” At that moment, her eyes widened to the size of saucers. She looked directly at her father and said, “Really, Dad?” She turned around in her seat to see a group of military service veterans coming her way. She was greeted with hugs, kisses and welcome homes. The excitement was palpable. When the restaurant patrons realized just what was going on, they greeted Katy with cheers and applause to welcome her home.

The veterans escorted Katy to her “ride” home, which turned out to be a Harley-Davidson motorcycle decked out with full-sized flags. There was a full-brigade consisting of military service veterans in leathers wearing red, white & blue bandanas, and motorcycle after motorcycle (with loud, loud engines!) regaled with military and American flags. The procession was led by the local fire engine with sirens blaring and lights flashing! What could possibly have been better?!!! This was just the beginning of what would turn out to be an amazing day for Katy.

As Katy and her escorts approached our home, she was met by a crowd of neighbors, friends, family and local patriots waving flags and cheering her arrival, and where more hugs, kisses and welcome homes were shared. Our street was

lined with American flags and our home had been transformed – draped in a huge American flag and banners while patriotic music played through large speakers. To start off the festivities, a local, talented young lady sang a beautiful rendition of The National Anthem. It was quite an emotional scene – bringing so many to tears.

What came next was so heartwarming. Katy was recognized for her military service along with her father, brother and uncle – all U.S. Marines! For the first time, Katy’s Uncle Steve was shown the love and appreciation he deserved after his return from service in Vietnam so many years ago. Recognition was given to Katy’s other relatives who served this great nation – some have passed on and others weren’t able to attend the event. Katy is 1 of 9 relatives in 3-generations to serve our great Country.

Besides all the hugs, kisses and hand-shaking, our veterans were recognized with speeches and proclamations from local and state government representatives and challenge coins were presented by veterans representing local military organizations. To memorialize the day’s events, a video montage was set to music and posted to the Diablo Valley Flag Brigade’s website. We’ve already watched it several times and it has the same impact each time – we are reduced to puddles J

As history has shown, the longer a war is drawn out, the more the original mission has of being forgotten by the general public and opposition to the war effort grows. Our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines continue to serve without question and they deserve no less than our continued support. Of course, if you ask a veteran, they will tell you that they did not volunteer for the recognition or glory, but how they are treated upon their return to Country sure makes a difference in how they recover from their experiences after multiple deployments, in many cases. This is where Diablo Valley Flag Brigade fills the gap. They are a shining example of the human spirit at its very best.

March 9, 2013, is a day that we will never forget; thanks to you and Diablo Valley Flag Brigade. Please extend our sincere appreciation to the many organizations that worked together to ceremoniously welcome our daughter, Katy, home. We will never forget.

Kevin and Mary Griswold

James Victor Stanton
Graduated from boot camp: Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 12/23/11
Rank: PFC
Patches: 36 Engineer Brigade Patch (Seahorse)
MOS: 12B Combat Engineer
Awards/medals/certificates earned: NATO campaign medal, Afghan Campaign medal, Overseas ribon, Army Achievement Medal, Certificate of Achievment
James’ unit: 36th En BDE, 62 EnBn PSD
Base: Fort Hood, Texas
Deployed: 8/12 – 3/13 Kandahar, Afghanistan

James Victor Stanton (born 5/4/90) is a first born twin, oldest of three brothers. He is a 2008 graduate of San Ramon Valley High School. James played baseball with Danville Little League Baseball and played CYO basketball (St. Joan). During high school, James was an assistant coach for CYO basketball. James was on the SRV Men’s Varsity basketball team’s coaching staff all four years as part of the management team (team manager, statitician, and videographer) under the direction of Athletic Director and head coach, John Raynor. After graduation, James attended California State University, Fullerton. During his second year of college, James decided he wanted to do more with his life and serve his country. He enlisted in the US Army.

→ View The Welcome Home Slideshow