Archives for December 2017

story & photo
by Karen Koerner

Merry and bright smiles filled the parking lot of the Groton City’s Municipal Building Dec. 2 as officers of the City of Groton Police Department joined forces with the United States Marine Corps and members of St. John’s Church of Groton to collect food, warm winter coats, and Toys for Tots. Residents began rolling through the donation area at 9 am when the drive began, and a police cruiser designated for toys was nearly full only an hour later.

“We collected nearly 1,000 individual toys and filled two-plus cruisers at the event,” stated, Chief of Police, Groton, following the drive. “We also partnered with Pastor Joseph Coleman and St. John’s Church of Groton on a coat drive. We collected nearly 100 used coats, scarves, gloves and mittens.” Residents also donated non-perishable food, filling a pickup truck full for the United Way Gemma Moran Food Pantry.
Groton City Mayor Keith Hedrick dropped by and was happy with early progress. “This is tremendous,” he said. “It’s all about community. It’s got to be.”
A steady stream of Groton City residents were happy to give. “My husband said, ‘don’t bring them back home,’” laughed Johanna Maynard, as she dropped off bags of afghans, winter scarves, toys and food donations. “Take the bag, too,” she said of a tote that held her donations.
Pastor Joseph and some of his parishioners arrived to help, loaded with donations themselves. “This is a neighborhood thing. This is an important event,” he said. As donors arrived, Chief Michael pointed out the relationships that were making the drive a success.

“We’re big on community policing here, and we try to stay involved,” Michael said. The USMC Toys for Tots drive was represented by Marine Sgt. Timothy Dallas. The Marine said collected toys will be distributed to area non-profits that help families with children who have a hard time creating a happy Christmas.
Rounding out the volunteers were Groton City Police Cadets, volunteering under the supervision of Officer Trish Lieteau, Cadet Advisor. Volunteers and donors were full of the Holiday Spirit. Chief Michael was pleased with the first year’s effort. “Our agency wishes all very Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year 2018,” he said.

story & photos
by Eva Bunnel

On Pier 17 of the Naval Submarine Base New London, more than 200 family members and friends wore smiles as bright as the late November afternoon sun that warmed the day to unseasonably warm temperatures as they welcomed to homeport, the 132 crew members of the USS Toledo.
On November 29th, the USS Toledo and its crew of 15 Officers and 117 enlisted Sailors, came home after a six-month, “European Command Area of Responsibility where they executed the Chief of the Naval Operation’s Maritime Strategy in support of the national security interests and Maritime Security Operations. During deployment the Toledo made port calls in Faslane, Scotland and Rota, Spain.”

A trio of friends Shelby Law, Kaitlyn Long, and Bridget Nelson stood together by the pier holding their handmade signs that would help welcome their sailors home. They shared their excited anticipation for the moment they would be reunited with their significant others. They were happy that, for a time, “we get to keep our guys” with them at home.
The traditional “First Kiss,” was shared by Electronic Technician 2nd Class, Jarrod Pope, his wife, Ashlie and their eight and three- year- old daughters, Abigail, and Emilia. “First Hug” honors were shared by Fire Control Technician 1st Class, James Kaler and his wife Dianna, with their nine-month old son, Jonathan.

As happy reunions were taking place on the pier, perhaps the most excited individual was Avery Estrada, who happened to be celebrating that day both the return of her father, Chief Radio Officer Alan Estrada, and her eighth birthday.
Avery stood resolutely on the pier, ahead of the crowd, waving to the submarine as it was assisted to its dock by two tugboats. As she ran to her father, it was hard to not be moved to tears hearing her happy shouts when she caught first sight of her Dad.

Cmdr. Orville Cave, has been in command of the USS Toledo, a Los Angeles Class submarine for the last seventeen months. The USS Toledo is a “nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine.” “Fast-attack submarines are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities-sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.”
Clearly proud of the USS Toledo’s crew, Cmdr. Cave shared that the members of his crew were “outstanding” in the six months they were out to sea, and that “they train hard for years to be ready for deployment.” During their deployment, Cave said, “morale was always great.” However, in the days leading up to coming home, he said with a smile, “the energy level was, as one can expect, a bit higher than normal.”
The USS Toledo is “the 81st Los Angeles-class submarine and the second U.S. Navy ship to be named for the city of Toledo.”