Thousands Turn Out For Alameda Troop Fest

Sep. 30 - KGO (KGO) -- As the national debate over the war heats up so does support for US troops. In Alameda thousands turned out at one event. All day long the Hornet in Alameda hosted Troop Fest they were hoping for 1200 people, twice that many showed up.

Troop Fest 2006 started as a small fundraiser for care packages for soldiers.

Staff Sgt. Ken Weichert, California National Guard: "Last year this was just a bbq, now this is immense."

Now it's a rallying point for military families and those who support the troops. Here recruiters draw a crowd and ROTC kids get respect.

Julie DeMaria, Operation Care & Comfort: "I think that regardless of your stance on the war and whether you're a Republican or Democrat we need to take care of the men and women who volunteer to serve our country."

With just a few days left before she ships out, Amy San Filippo came here for support.

ABC7's Noel Cisneros: "Your brother already did a tour in Afghanistan, did that dissuade you at all from joining."

Amy San Filippo: "No not at all, I'm ready. I want to do my part too."

The latest field poll shows 70% of Californian's disapprove of President Bush's handling of the war. Even in a crowd of people making the extra effort to support the troops there are doubts.

Pierre Galang, San Mateo resident: "It's about time to face it. It's not our war, we tried to help, but he made a mistake."

Wendy Alvear: "I have two boys and they are out there defending our country."

Military mom Wendy Alvear says she copes by staying away from politics and she continues send care packages to those on the real front line.

Wendy Alvear: "There are times when I'm frustrated about some things, and other ways not. So I focus on taking care of our guys. That is probably the best way for me to take care of them is to not think about everything else and to just think about having to take care of them."

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