Community Welcomes Home U.S. Marine Paul Nawrath

It was an especially great Father’s Day weekend for U.S. Marine Corps Corporal, Paul Nawrath’s dad and grandfather.

A yellow ribbon has been tied around the soaring oak tree across the street from the family's Danville home since 2007, marking the family’s wait for the return of their deployed son.

Saturday afternoon,  he was officially welcomed home for good.

A surprised Nawrath arrived home from his second and final tour of duty to greet his family, Danville Mayor Karen Stepper, and more than 50 people, including San Ramon Valley Firefighters from Station 31, who parked their huge ladder truck outside his home, for an Operation Welcome Home ceremony.

He didn’t come home alone.

Nawrath drove onto the quiet neighborhood street in a shiny silver corvette, escorted by the Blue Angel's corvette, and accompanied by the roaring engines of several motorcycles ridden by the Warriors’ Watch Riders.

The national volunteer organization is made up of veterans and civilian supporters, whose mission it is to “support the nation’s warriors, past and present, and their families.”

Nawrath’s home and front yard were festooned with flags and welcome home messages.

Representatives from various veteran’s groups and support organizations, as well as those delivering honors on behalf of Assemblymember Joan Buchanan and Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Supervisor Mary Piepho were also on hand.

The Town often holds Operation Welcome Home ceremonies for returning service members at the Town Hall or Community Center, but Mayor Stepper said neighborhood ceremonies are newer.

They draw special attention to the fact that our military men and women are our neighbors, she said, and are meant to demonstrate that they are valued members of our community whom we support.

Mayor Stepper noted the efforts of many patriotic neighborhoods in Danville, like Del Amigo, that was designed for each mailbox to display a flag.

She said she hopes more residents will come out to support returning service members in future ceremonies and welcome them home to their neighborhoods.

During the ceremony, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Vets of the Diablo Valley, Marine Corps League, the Veterans Resources Organization, Diablo Valley Flag Brigade, Pleasanton Military Families, and Blue Star Moms presented honors and special coins to the returning soldier.

There was also a furry veteran there to welcome the Marine home.

Lawrence, a Tri-Valley Animal Rescue therapy dog, who serves at the Livermore Veterans Administration Hospital, was decked out in his special Marine Corps “Devil Dog” outfit especially for the occasion.

Each presenter spoke about Nawrath’s distinguished service in Iraq and Afghanistan, which included several military honors. He also directly saved the lives of two fellow soldiers.

“Spike” of the Warrior Watch Riders, with a nod to his fellow Vietnam veterans in the audience, said that their mission was to welcome home veterans in a “proper manner,” something they did not experience when they returned home.

He charged Nawrath with a new mission — to make sure that people know about the sacrifices and contributions of those who serve.

Throughout the succession of honors, handshakes, and hugs, Nawrath, a 2007 graduate of , quietly tried to take it all in, unused to such attention.

“It feels great to be home,” he said.

He looks forward to civilian life that will include going to school at Las Positas College and spending time with his family and girlfriend.

He says he will continue to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve, and intends to become a firefighter.

The resounding message of Paul Nawrath’s homecoming celebration was one of appreciation and assurance from all assembled as he now moves into his new civilian life, “We’ve got your back.”

If you know of another returning service member, contact the Town to arrange a welcome home ceremony. More information is available on the Town website.

Be sure to also let us know at Danville Patch by emailing Liz Shemaria, at lizs@patch.com.