Families of military personnel enjoy a day at Amityville Reserves

Commander Ed Keeshan, center, working with military personnel in the Middle East. For Commander Ed Keeshan, the progress being made in Iraq may not seem very dramatic to Americans, but it is markedly dramatic for the Iraqis who have lived under a brutal regime for generations.

"The story is that there are hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who get up in the morning, make breakfast, go to their jobs and get their kids off to school; come home, eat dinner together and kiss each other good night," said Keeshan who has returned from the Middle East. "For Americans, these are not dramatic events but for the Iraqis, it is a life they have always aspired to, a life free of the fear of others and from their government."

Keeshan, was one of America's fighting men and women who gathered with their families at the Naval Operational Support Center in Amityville September 17 for an open house and Family Day. He serves there as commander of the OperationalSupport Unit. The day helped to bring these families together and recognize the sailors and Marines who have distinguished themselves, already having been deployed or soon to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror.

Youngster gets a first-hand look at a military vehicle on Family Day at Amityville Reserve Keeshan said that he has seen the efforts of individual military personnel making the significant difference throughout the Middle East that will bring victory-one Iraqi at a time. Whether it is helping a young Iraqi woman laden with packages cross the street, or getting children safely to and from school, these gestures, more than anything else, are helping to win the war on terror.

"Anyone can pontificate about whether we should be there and what the right thing to do is," said Keeshan, "but the fact is that we have 18-and 19- year-old Americans bringing the good and wholesome lessons they learned from their mothers and fathers to the streets of Baghdad, and that is what is going to make the difference."

And, they are also passing along the lessons about freedom and democracy that the Iraqis only dreamed of; showing them how to live in a democratic society with all of its difficulties and messiness, he said. "We can do it because we have it imbued in us by our history, and they will be able to do it as they learn and build on their future."

The day offered a chance for military families to get reacquainted. There was a barbecue, piles of cookies and cakes, cold drinks and special events for the children. Demonstrations were presented by the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter, MUSMC Cami Paint, Humvee static display and music by the S.C. Bagpipe band.

Also recently returned from the Middle East is Steven Foster MM1, who was at the event with his wife Danielle and daughter Annie who was born 18 days after he arrived back in the states. Steve, a manufacturing engineer in private life, is a Naval reservist who also served in Desert Storm.

Steve worked in Navy Customs in Kuwait, processing military personnel leaving the country for home.

"What we are doing over there is a good thing," he said. "And I would say that 70 percent of the troops I dealt with as they left for home believe what we are doing is positive. We are helping a country grow, and helping people establish their own government."

Even at home, Steve looks to protect and serve. He and his wife put their daughter Annie through the police ID program offered for the children of military personnel at the Armory that day.

The Center is also home to the Sea Cadet Program, which offers education and training in two levels for young men and women 11-17 years of age.

"They have an opportunity to come here once a month, go on ships and learn about military history and discipline," said Deputy Administrator of the program, Lt. Richard Aimetti.

Ann and Orrin Candiotti of Ridge have two sons. The oldest, Derek is in his second year in the Air Force Academy and the other Kevin, is a member of the Sea Cadets based in Amityville. They said they attended the event because it is important for military families to stay together and that they are proud of both of their boys, not because they chose the military but because they are "great young men" who see the honor and opportunity in what they are doing.

Sea Cadets Raymond Figueroa and Franklin Lugo of Brentwood, said the program appealed to them and that they joined and now look forward to a career in the military.

"I like discipline and I like the idea of serving my country," said Figueroa.

Lugo agreed, while his mother Sandra Nunez said that while it was not her idea, she supports her son's decision. "I am here to support him and I am proud of him," she said.

On this bright Sunday afternoon, war seemed far away, however. There were no politicians, no speeches

Center. and no anti-war demonstrations. When reminded that a military career could easily land them in the middle of a war, both Lugo and Figueroa said they understood that, and accepted it.

"If it leads up to that, then that is what I will do to defend my country," said Lugo.

Another former Sea Cadet, Randy Hayes who is now in the SUNYMaritime College agreed. "The key is preparation," he said. "And we are well prepared."

The Amityville Reserve Center is included in a plan for redeployment, which in military terms means it will be relocated, not closed as had been a persistent rumor. Incoming commanding officer, Lt. Commander Greg Erickson, a Naval aviator, said the new facility is expected to be built inFarmingdale. Erickson will replace current Commanding Officer, Lt. Jake Schneider.

For information on the Center or the Sea Cadet program, call Petty Officer Ron Kuzlik, Public Affairs Officer at 203-912-0384.