[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: USS Columbia families begin Veterans Week with a CoMo Cookout at Pearl Harbor

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Renee Graham
Public Communications Officer
(573) 874-7316 
or
Anne Moore
Columbia Submarine Committee Chair 
(573) 449-3933
 


USS Columbia families begin Veterans Week with a CoMo Cookout at Pearl Harbor

COLUMBIA, MO (November 9, 2011) - The families of the deployed USS Columbia submarine enjoyed a CoMo Cookout at Pearl Harbor on Sunday, Nov. 8, courtesy of the Columbia Submarine Committee and local sponsors. Scholastic donated books for all crew members' children including 10 school age children, 12 toddlers and 6 babies.  Additional gifts, including stuffed animals, puppets, T-shirts, crayons and coloring books, were provided by Benton Elementary School, Columbia College and various departments from the City of Columbia. Decorations and door prizes for all the spouses were provided by Flat Branch Pub and Brewing, the University of Missouri Alumni Center, Columbia College, D&M Sound and a grand prize "Taste of Columbia" basket from Hoss's Market.  

The CoMo Cookout for the Family Readiness Group was a companion event to CoMo - Mizzou Tailgate Party the committee provided for the crew when the submarine deployed in June. The Columbia Submarine Committee was first appointed by City Council in 1994 to sustain the namesake partnership with the USS Columbia (SSN 771) submarine. Columbia shares the namesake honor with Columbia, Ill., and Columbia, S.C.

According to committee chairwoman Anne Moore, "Crewmembers and their family members are our real American heroes. They sacrifice a lot more than most of us realize so we can enjoy our country's freedoms. We want to honor their service and sacrifice."

Renee Graham, public communications officer for the City of Columbia, helped coordinate delivery of items to the home Commander Dennis Klein. Commander Klein's wife Lisa helps coordinate the Family Readiness Group. Graham said it was a pleasure to work with Klein on the event.

"Mrs. Klein indicated that it was a fun day for everyone in attendance. The fact that we could sponsor the event less than a week before Veterans Day made it even more special," Graham said. 

Klein noted that "with the great door prizes, gifts and the $100 donation from the Columbia Submarine Committee to rent a bounce house, family members of all ages had a wonderful time. For many of the families, this is the first time they have experienced a connection with a namesake city. Truly, Columbia, Mo. is in the minority when it comes to cities supporting the service, and we thank you."

Family Resource Group (FRG) President Ashley Robison said "The Columbia FRG can't thank residents of our namesake city enough for their support of both our sailors and their families. To be remembered in such a significant way touched all of us."


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