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Lawrence-based Army Reservists received a special package of gifts Sunday for their service last year in Iraq.

"It's a tangible way of saying 'thank you' to the soldiers and their families, acknowledging their sacrifice, acknowledging their service," said Col. Greg Meyer, chief of staff with the 89th Regional Readiness Command, which oversees several Midwestern Army Reserve units.

The new Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award package was given to 11 members of the 824th Quartermaster Detachment who were called to duty from February 2004 to December 2004. Eight of them and their families were present to receive the package during a picnic and ceremony at Clinton Lake.

Inside the package were several items, including an encased American flag, a commemorative coin and certificates, a lapel pin set for the soldier and a family member, and a Welcome Home Citizen flag. The package is now being given by the military to all reservists who served six months in Iraq or Afghanistan.

"It's nice," said Sgt. First Class James King, of Belton, Mo. "When we came back from Desert Storm (the Gulf War) they didn't do anything like this for us."

King and his wife, Tammie King, said the items from the package would be placed on a special hallway wall they have designated to commemorate James King's military service.

Photo by Richard Gwin

Former Company Commander Col. Richard Medved, left, shakes the hand of Lori Arnold, Lawrence, who was one of several area Army Reservists honored in a ceremony Sunday at Clinton Lake. The Reservists received a "Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award" package. Arnold is a fourth-grade teacher at Pinckney School.

"He's always had a wall," Tammie King said.

Maj. Dirk Stapleton said he was glad to be able to share the items with his family.

"I'm going to treasure this," the Kansas City, Mo., computer programer said. "I'll put it up in my office at home and I'd like to show it off to the employees at work. It's a real honor to be able to share this with my family and friends."

Sgt. 1st Class Dena Stephenson wasn't sure what she would do with her package.

"It's a great thing for them to do for us, but I wish they'd have had the family members have a more active role in the presentation," the Leavenworth woman said.

Col. Richard Medved also thought the gift was meaningful, but he said he considered it a supplement to the overall "welcome home" atmosphere that soldiers are greeted with when they come back from the war zone.

"When we came back, whenever people saw us, they stopped and said 'thank you.'" Medved said. "I never saw that before, even after Desert Storm. "I think people have more appreciation for the Reserves this time. A lot of people have family members who served and businesses have employees who served."

6News video: Award ceremony honors area Army Reservists

Medved was the commander of the 824th until Saturday. He was replaced by Lt. Col. John Miller. Medved is now going to work for the Kansas State Emergency Preparedness office.

Although the reservists have a respite from the war now, they also know they could eventually be called back to active duty.

"It our duty calls us, we are ready to go," Stapleton said. "That's the way we train."