OPTIMISTS HOST PARTY FOR NAVY MAN BIG WELCOME FOR RIC ABRAHAM.

Byline: Sharon Cotal Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - Since Operation Iraqi Freedom began, the Santa Clarita Valley-Newhall Optimist Club has been sending packages to troops overseas and saying prayers for any club members' relatives who are in military service.

Still, members wanted to do more.

So when they heard that the son of one of their club members was coming home on leave and that she was throwing a surprise party for him, the Optimists decided to sponsor the event and make it a party the young man would never forget.

Ric Abraham arrived home June 21 and was surprised to find his entire street, Jacana Court in Canyon Country, closed to traffic and filled with red, white and blue balloons, yellow ribbons, American flags and Welcome Home banners.

Filling the street to welcome Abraham home were members of the Optimist Club, his family and, well, practically the whole neighborhood.

``All their neighbors were so helpful when we were getting the party ready and just pitched right in,'' said Optimist Club President Dee Gadbury. ``They didn't care that we closed off the street.''

Abraham is a 1995 graduate of Canyon High School who also attended College of the Canyons until he felt the desire to contribute to his country by joining the Navy. The party took place at the home of his mother and stepfather, Elizabeth and Chris Rock.

Although he knew his mother was planning a party, Abraham did not know the size of it, Gadbury said.

``He was dumbfounded. He was totally blown away by the whole thing,'' she said.

While on two weeks leave, Abraham traveled with his family to visit relatives in Montana before returning to the USS Valley Forge-CG50 to await new orders.

The family was so thrilled to have him back, Gadbury said. ``As a mother, my prayers are with all parents (of military personnel) today, that their kids all come home safe.''

Sharon Cotal, [phone]

sharon.cotal(at)dailynews.com

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Ric Abraham arrived home on two weeks' leave to find his street, Jacana Court in Canyon Country, shut down for a block party hosted by the local Optimists Club.