Jocelyn Davis (fourth from left) is joined by her family and members of Deptford council, who surprised the army sergeant with a small homecoming celebration at Almonesson Creek Park on Dec. 28.
The township hosted a special homecoming for Deptford resident and army sergeant Jocelyn Davis on Dec. 28 after she returned home from a tour of duty in Syria.
At Almonesson Creek Park, Davis was surprised by family and friends; members of township council; Operation Yellow Ribbon, a charity that supports soldiers overseas; VFW Post 2174; the Deptford Elks Club and other veterans’ organizations.
Council presented Davis with a proclamation recognizing her service. The Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America gave her a certificate of appreciation, and the Warriors Watch Riders, who organize motorcycle escorts for military units, bestowed a certificate of gratitude.
“Thank you so much to the Deptford Township mayor and council for such a warm and heartfelt welcome home,” Davis said. “I am deeply grateful for the support from Operation Yellow Ribbon, Warrior Watch Riders and Jewish War Veterans. Thank you for attending, Deptford Elks, friends and family.”
“The event itself was fantastic,” described Mayor Paul Medany, who was in attendance. “Her family brought her there and it was a complete surprise. It was overall very impressive, and she was excited for it.”
Davis is a 2021 graduate of Deptford High School who joined the Army National Guard as a combat medic specialist a month after she turned 18, according to the council proclamation. She spent nine months in Syria, and throughout her time in the army, earned multiple honors and awards for her service.
Back home, Davis is studying cellular biology at Rowan University and works as an emergency medical technician for Virtua Health. Her family organized the homecoming event with help from Operation Yellow Ribbon and council.
“We represent all the residents of Deptford in welcoming them (soldiers) home,” Medany noted. “It’s important for them to know that we’re thankful for their service.”
Council plans to do similar events for those who serve in the military, past and present.
“These people volunteer their time in the military and we want to recognize that,” Medany said. “We hope to inspire others who are planning to pursue a career in the military.”
