Military Families Will Get Homecoming
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The families will be allowed to be there when their loved ones return home. Video by tmj4.com
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KENOSHA - Lee Mele got a welcome phone call Tuesday night. It was Sergeant Aaron Reed calling to let her know her campaign to allow family members onto Volk Field for the return of the 452nd Combat Support Hospital had paid off. They'd be welcome on base.
"That's perfect," she said as she held her cell phone beneath the "freedom tree" decorated with American flags in her living room.
A week ago, Lee had been told there would be no celebration at Volk when her daughter Lt. Col. Patricia Ten Haaf and other members of her unit returned from a year in Afghanistan. Lee thought that was ridiculous.
"It's very sad to watch all the tears when everybody leaves," she said. "It seems only fair that you should get the happy tears when they arrive back."
This highly motivated military mom started making phone calls when she was told family wouldn't be welcome at Volk. She contacted congressmen, senators and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
She thinks Meg Jones piece in Tuesday's paper had a big impact.
Whoever pulled the strings to make a party possible this Friday at Volk Field, the plan is simple.
"We're going to bring our flags, bring our banners and shed the tears and wave the flags and welcome them home," Lee said with a wide smile. "It's exciting!"
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