Jay Conti Sr.
American Legion 4th District
Vice Commander

Another Hero’s welcome was held on Jan. 15 at the Crystal River American Legion Post 4155.

Local veterans showed up to welcome back Sgt. Jordan Bush home from a long tour of duty in Iraq.

It was more than an all-family and friends gathering as Sgt. Jordan Bush was honored by numerous veterans from American Legion Post/Unit 155 & 225, VFW Post/Unit 4337, Fleet Reserve Association Branch/Unit 186, US Submariners Association, Citrus 40/8 Voiture/Cabane 1219, American Legion Riders Chapter 155 and Citrus County Veterans Coalition for an American Legion Post 155 family Fish Fry dinner in his honor as the 88th Citrus County Hero in just over two years was welcomed home.

More than 100 members of the community came to American Legion Post 155 for this hero's welcome, as Citrus County Heroes Committee of Barbara Mills, Jay Conti Sr. along with the above veterans organizations welcomed home Sgt. Jordan Bush with a Citrus County hero's welcome-home basket full of gifts that were donated by Citrus County merchants, veterans organizations and the Citrus County community.

During the welcome-home celebration, American Legion Post 155 1st Vice Commander Jay Conti Sr. awarded PFC Michael Harris with the official American Legion “Thank You for Serving” Challenge Coin and a free membership to American Legion Post 155, and Bob Huscher from the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 186 awarded him with a gift certificate for Wal-Mart.

Sgt. Jordan Bush returning from his third tour of duty in Iraq, grew up with County Commissioner Joe Meek's son, who was also in attendance. Commissioner Meek also signed up to be a member of The Sons of The American Legion Chapter 155, as he saw the good things that the American Legion family does for the community he swore to overlook as a county commissioner.

Sgt. Bush, accompanied by his lovely wife, Andrea, joined the U.S. Army in 2003, and has been serving our great country for almost seven years. Although an Infantryman, his skills and knowledge of the Iraqi landscape during his previous two tours are well documented.

Sgt. Bush was assigned as head of detainee operations for his unit during his third tour. Sgt. Bush is assigned to 32nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion in Fort McCoy, WI. Sgt. Bush is a highly decorated soldier, having earned numerous meddals, decorations and awards. Sgt. Bush is a true Citrus County Hero!

This Welcome Home a Hero Project is funded fully by donations, and wouldn’t of been possible if it weren’t for the generosity of the Citrus County merchants, The American Legion, VFW, Fleet Reserve Association and other veterans' organizations donating items or funds to fill these welcome home baskets.

If you, your community, store or veterans organization would like help the Citrus County Heroes Welcome Home Baskets program for our local veterans to continue for 2010 and beyond or help out in any way, call Mrs. Barbara Mills at 352-422-6236 or visit our web site www.CitrusCountyHeroes.org.

You can also send a donation to: Barbara Mills, P.O. BOX 1046, Inverness, FL 34451-1046; Please make checks payable to VFW Woman’s Auxiliary 4337.