Military Families Honored In Old Town

Local military families were treated to a "Night Catch" party at the children's museum in Old Town.

The parking lot of Pennypickle's Workshop: Temecula Children's Museum on Friday had a carnival like atmosphere. The event was themed after the book "Night Catch" by Brenda Ehrmantraut.

The event, which was free for military families, featured a DJ spinning upbeat tunes, face painting, a photographer taking pictures and other activities geared for children.

Each family attending the event received a signed copy of the book "Night Catch."

The book tells the story of a soldier and his young son who stay feeling connected by watching the night sky for Polaris and then pretending to throw the star back and forth to each other as each of them goes from nighttime to daytime.

The party was a success, and many moms shared their heart-wrenching stories as they picked up a copy of the book, said Pat Comerchero, the head of the museum who organized the event.

"We gave everyone time to talk as they picked up a copy of the book. Many women started to express what they have and are going through while their husbands are gone," Comerchero said.

The event was organized on the eve of a major deployment, she said.

"The tears came and you could see the sadness on their faces as each woman shared their heartache at missing their loved ones," she said.

At the event, a little girl sat in a chair and held a large paper heart reading, "I love Dad," as her picture was taken. Her mom, Kate Anderson, explained her husband was overseas.

"He left for Iraq almost a year ago. We miss him very much and can't wait for him to come back at the end of July," Anderson said fighting back tears. "This event has been so fun for us, and we really appreciate it."

There is a large military community in Temecula, and it is important for everyone to reach out to one another, she explained.

"It helps to get together and talk and support one another. We understand what the other families are going through while loved ones are deployed for long periods of time," she said.

One little girl named Karis Anderson smiled and danced around saying her dad would soon come home.

"I am glad my dad is coming home soon. My heart hurts when he is gone," she said.

Pacific Western Bank sponsored the event. Bobbi Ballwey, a representative of the bank, gushed that when she was approached about sponsoring the event, she got goose bumps and gave the green light without hesitation.

"We are so excited to be sponsoring this event. People forget that we have these soldiers and their families in our community," Ballwey said.

“It is important that we recognize and support these families who sacrifice so much for our country,” she explained.