September 25, 2003
Thursday - 12:50 am

Juneau, AK - Army Spc. Michael Moniak of the 101st Airborne Division returned to the safety of American soil in mid-August after serving in the war in Iraq.

Homecoming Spc. Michael Moniak recieves a welcome home hug from his mother Lisa Viteri as Juneau Photographer Michael Penn captures the moment... Photo by Sean Whiteley of Juneau

This month Moniak, who is from Juneau, was able to visit with his family in Alaska. On his trip home to Juneau, Lisa Viteri said her son spent a few peaceful, quiet days with some family members at Salmon Falls Resort in Ketchikan before boarding the Kennicott to head northward.

Moniak is the grandson of Al & Shirley White of Ketchikan and Alicia Viteri of Coal City, Illinois. He has numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Ketchikan. Moniak is also the grandson of Donna and Bob Galvin of Ketchikan, Alaska.

When Moniak arrived in Juneau Friday, September 19th, he was greeted by family and friends. Among those welcoming him home were his mother and step-father, Lisa and Alex Viteri; his sister Jessica Moniak; and his baby brother, Alexander Viteri. Kathi Goddard, whose son Lucas was awarded the Bronze Medal this summer by General Tommy Franks, was among the family friends greeting Moniak. Goddard's son Lucas is still serving in Iraq.

Welcome home to another of America's finest - and thank you Spc. Michael Moniak for your service to our country.

Let us never forget our service men and women who so bravely serve our country and let us never forget their many sacrifices nor the sacrifices of their families. Along with their families, let us look forward proudly to the day when all our soldiers are safely returned to American soil.

Moniak's mother Lisa Viteri said it most eloquently, "The war's not really over until all of our soldiers are home from Iraq and Afghanistan."

Story In the News:

Juneau homecoming...
Juneau Empire - September 24, 2003

 

Our Troops:

SPC Michael Moniak - United States Army