Los Gatos Soldier Honored by Rotarians

U.S. Army Pfc. Gunner Franks was a young boy when he saw two airplanes plow into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.

The image became forever seared into his memory.

Then, two years later, he learned of a family friend who had become close to his brother who had been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, after joining the Army in response to the terror al-Qaeda attacks.

Those events inspired the 21-year-old soldier to enlist in the Army on Dec. 22, 2009, soon after being shipped off for six weeks of basic heavy artillery training in March of 2010 to Forest Dale, OK.

For his courage and willingness to serve and protect his country's freedom, Franks received a certificate of appreciation Tuesday afternoon from Los Gatos Rotarians at the Los Gatos Lodge.

He has completed a year of service in South Korea and he leaves for Texas on Sept. 7 where he will receive additional training to then serve in Afghanistan in November or December.

He said many of his friends joined the military, too, due to the Sept. 11 tragedy.

"We're all fighting for that reason," said the young soldier. "It's all about soul searching, getting life experience and defending my country."

About the approaching 10-year anniversary of the terror attacks, Franks said he considers it the worst tragedy to befall on U.S. soil.

"It's horrible that it happened, but now there are a lot more people who have sacrificed their life because of 9/11."

Serving in the military is the least he can do to honor the memory of Richard "Rick" Roberts, killed in Iraq in 2003 by an improvised explosive device, or roadside bomb, he said.

Los Gatos Realtor Mike Frangadakis organized the recognition due to his work as chairman of Operation Yellow Ribbon, an organization under the auspices of the afternoon Los Gatos Rotary Club whose purpose is to help local military personnel serving overseas.

"He's going to what we call the sand box," Frangadakis said of Franks' destination. "I love these young guys and I know how and what they're training for. These guys are scaling on the wall keeping the bad guys away from all of us. It's a great honor for us to say thanks for what you guys do."

Frangadakis, a former Vietnam War veteran, said he many of his fellow soldiers in the California State Military Reserve are serving because of 9/11.

"These guys are standing at the line," Frangadakis told the crowd. "That's why the bad guys don't get us."

Los Gatos Mayor Joe Pirzynski said he was privileged to recognize the young soldier and thanked Frangadakis for continuing to support military personnel from Los Gatos and Monte Sereno who are serving in the military.

Pirzynski praised Franks for his maturity and his dedication to his country and community. "We owe a significant gratitude to Gunner and his family for allowing us to be protected by this young man," the mayor said, holding back tears.

The mayor, in reading the certificate of appreciation, said the last 10 years since the attack on the country have experienced many wars, sorrow and sacrifice.

"These years have also seen heroism, awe-inspiring generosity, a deeper understanding of patriotism and a renewed appreciation for what Americans can accomplish when they work together," the certificate said. "We live in homes of the free because of the brave."

Franks was born and raised in Los Gatos and graduated from Los Gatos High School in 2008. He was accompanied during the luncheon by his father, Daniel Franks.