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Soldier gets recognition from Florida
Everblades
February 28, 2006
By
Justin Herndon
Lee County -
An army specialist recently back from
Iraq received a hero's welcome Tuesday
night.
Army Specialist Jesse Pond served a year
in Iraq. One night on patrol the vehicle he
was riding in was hit by an explosive.
Somehow the soldier survived the blast with
only minor injuries.
After the national anthem was played at
Germain Arena, Pond got a standing ovation..
and a player from the team gave him an
autographed jersey.
His parents and his son were present for
an honor for a ceremony that he says shows
the spirit of this community.
"I'm glad that they recognize what we do
overseas and what we do for the country. I'm
glad that they're giving back to us so it
let's us know we're appreciated," Pond said.
He's from Michigan and stationed at Fort
Riley, Kansas. He's in town because his
parents have a house in Cape Coral.
Later this week he'll take part in
fishing trip with Operation Open Arms - a
group which provides soldiers a chance to
catch up on events they missed while
overseas.
Specialist Pond will be out of the Army
in six weeks. |
