Los Gatos-based Operation Yellow Ribbon was at Mineta San Jose International Airport the evening of Friday, Dec. 16 to greet Marine Lance Cpl. Christopher Borges when he arrived home from Afghanistan after serving a 6½-month tour of duty.

Among those welcoming the young San Jose soldier was Mike Frangadakis, chairman of Operation Yellow Ribbon, and an active member of the afternoon Los Gatos Rotary Club. Accompanying Frangadakis were Los Gatos residents Gary and Sue Plep.

Also in attendance was Borges' mother, Rosalia Mestresset, a member of the South Bay Blue Star Moms.

Ray Borges, father of the young soldier, said: "We want him to know how appreciated his service to our country is."

Borges is among thousands of soldiers coming home almost nine years after the United States declared war in the Middle East in 2003.

The U.S. withdrawal of troops—Dec. 31 for service personnel in Iraq—is a good opportunity to remember what civilians can do to help young men and women returning home affected emotionally and physically by war, Frangadakis said.

"We support our veterans and our active duty personnel in Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Santa Clara County," Frangadakis explained about his outreach effort beyond town borders.