On Saturday, December 13, 2008, 3:00 to 8:00 PM, Friends of the Forgotten Northeast Wing hosted a Welcome Home Christmas Party for our adopted soldier Adam Rutkowski and several of his brothers from the 103rd.

And what a party it was. Over 100 friends, family, Fotf, VFW, and American Legion members gathered at Eagle Hose Company Fire Hall, Dickson City, PA. The hall was finely decorated by members of FotF. When I arrived, about 2:30 PM, several Fotf members were busy in the kitchen, preparing food and beverages, and putting the final touches on the hall and tables. Our DJ was already performing! I can’t begin to describe the feast! From wings and salads, to pizza and pasta, chips and dips and cakes, adult beverages and soft drinks…all donated, prepared and served by volunteers! I think we carried in twenty-five trays of pizza, and the wings and nuggets went from mild to three-alarm.

Our DJ kept us up to date on the progress of Santa and his Elf, on their way from the North Pole, via Wilkes Barre/Scranton airport, where a special runway was prepared for a sleigh and reindeer. Then, shortly before five o’clock Santa and Elf arrive by fire truck, with full lights and sirens! Children in attendance were given gift bags by Santa, and even a few of the “big kids” got to sit on Santa’s lap…Elf’s too!

Adam took the microphone to express his gratitude, and his words were overwhelming.

I can not express the amount of work and dedication that went into this party, from the initial planning, to the event itself. I have been requested by those who did all the work to not single them out for credit, and I will respect those wishes, but I will say this…from the organizers to our member DJ, it could not have been better organized, prepared, and carried out. And all by volunteer effort of time, expense, refreshments…even the contingent from the North Pole! Thank you all, Merry Christmas, and Welcome Home Adam and brothers!

Respectfully Sumbitted
Al “Bluesman” Philo
WWR SC PA Northeast Region
12/14/2008