Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Koons | Petty Officer 3rd Class (SW/AW) Leon Bodden, culinary specialist, of USS Wasp hugs his...... read more read more
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CARIBBEAN SEA — As Task Group 40.7 embarked on USS Wasp helped deliver Project Handclasp supplies to the Central American nation of Belize Nov. 24, the ship also delivered a reunion to one Sailor who was able to return to his native land and see his mother for the first time in seven years.
Petty Officer 3rd Class (SW/AW) Leon Bodden, culinary specialist, a native of Belize City, Belize, flew ashore from Wasp along with other Sailors participating in Project Handclasp-related events and was able to spend time with his mother, Janet Flowers, and other family members who live in Belize.
"This is my last underway period aboard Wasp, so it was good to be able to end my tour here this way," said Bodden, who, along with his father, moved to the United States at the age of two more than 23 years ago.
Although his parents separated before he moved to the U.S., Bodden said he was still excited about seeing his mother, whom he had not talked to since his last visit to Belize seven years ago.
"I had not had any type of contact with her since the last time I was here, so I was a little nervous," he said. "But it was great to see her again, because she is very proud of what I've accomplished in the Navy."
For Flowers, seeing her son again after several years was a joyous occasion that made her savor every moment they were able to spend together.
"It was unbelievable to see him again," said Flowers. "I'm extremely proud of what he's done with his life, especially his service in the Navy."
Although he grew up in the U.S., Bodden said he will always carry a part of his native culture with him wherever he goes.
"I consider myself half-American, half-Belizean," he said. "My family members that live in the U.S. still practice Belizean customs, eat Belizean foods, and throw late night parties, which Belizeans love to do. We both work and play hard."
Wasp is currently deployed on Southern Partnership Station-Amphib 2009 with Destroyer Squadron 40 and embarked Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. SPS is part of the Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy that focuses on building interoperability and cooperation in the region to meet common challenges.
| Date Taken: | 11.24.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.27.2009 03:09 |
| Story ID: | 42054 |
| Location: | USCENTCOM, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 288 |
| Downloads: | 265 |
This work, Wasp Sailor Returns Home to Belize, by PO2 Christopher Koons, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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