Steven joined Onebane Law Firm about 2 years ago after an opportunity presented itself. While Steven was not looking for a new job, he still decided to talk to Onebane for the possibility of employment. When he was offered a position, he was very up front with the partners of his military obligations especially the real possibility of a year long deployment. Not once did anyone ever give it a thought that this was a problem and never has anyone at Onebane has ever made Steven feel like they were being inconvenienced by his military duties. Over the time he has been employed, he has had hurricane duty in New Orleans for Gustav, 2 weeks of training in Virginia, 3 weeks of annual training at Camp Beauregard, many Fridays were taken with drill, and at least 4-5 other weeks of training for this upcoming deployment. Through all of this, Onebane has stood by Steven. When we got the real dates of this deployment, Steven made his department chair and managing partner aware. Their responses were basically, you will go for the year and your chair will be waiting for you when you get back.
Many of the firms members actively participated in a fund raiser through the FRG where we sold Support Your Troops signs. Many people purchased the signs and funds were raised towards that organization. Thank you so much!
A few weeks before his last day, we met with the human resource manager, Sondra Broussard, who had worked extremely hard to get everything together and researching everything we needed to know regarding benefits, insurance, etc. I know it took alot and we appreciate it so much. She also let us know that the firm had planned a going away gathering on Steven's last day, December 15th and requested that I attend too.
So, at 2:00 on December 15th we headed to the conference room for the gathering. While not really knowing what to expect, I just kept telling myself to keep it together and if tears needed to run, they could wait until we left. So this is what we walked into:
Everyone began to gather all wearing American Flag stickers and these bracelets on their wrists. Mandie Pierce who put the gathering together had blue bracelets made inscribed "OSS256" with the following wording attached:
"OSS256"
Onebane Supports Steven
and the 256
"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him."~Abraham Lincoln
Please wear this bracelet as a symbol of Onebane's gratitude and support for Steven Ramos and the 256th Brigade.
After everyone took a seat, Mr. Graham Smith, one of the partners got up to lead us in prayer. I could never get down what he said, so I have a copy of it and will repost it here. It was so moving and I fought through the tears the entire time he was reading. This is what he spoke:
In the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, we have the account of the rebuilding of the walls and gates of Jerusalem. That city meant everything to the Israelites. It was their heritage, their identity, but the Babylonians had destroyed the walls and burned down the gates.
Nehemiah had a burden in his heart to restore that heritage. He came to Jerusalem and began to rally the Israelites to come together and rebuild, and to defend against those who wanted to destroy them.
Warned about enemy's plans, Nehemiah stationed the Israelites along the wall they were building and had them take up their arms. And this is what he told them about their enemies:
"Have no fear of them! Keep in mind the LORD, who is great and to be feared, and fight for your brethren, your sons and daughter, your wives and your homes." (Neh 4:8)
"Our work is scattered and extensive, and we are widely seperated from one another along the wall; wherever you hear the trumpet sound, join us there; our God will fight with us." (Neh 4:13)
When the trumpet sounded, the people were to go to where the battle was, and god would be their champion.
____
When young David faced Goliath in the Old Testament book of First Samuel, he knew where his strength lay. Standing before the Philistine and Israelite armies, he told Goliath,
"All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves. For the battle is the LORD'S, and He shall deliver you into our hands." (Sam. 17:47)
So, mindful of that, Steve, we want to recall what God told Joshua as he became leader of the Hebrews just as they were about to cross the Jordan:
"Be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD, your God, is with you wherever you go." (Josh 1:9)
___
Let's unite in prayer now for Steven, and for Erin and their children, Reed and Lillian.
Lord God,
May Steve and Erin always remember that you are their shield and their strength. May they always rest in the shadow of your wings as you shelter them.
Deliver Steve from the enemy, Lord, as he answers the call of duty, and help him to walk always to honor you in how he responds to that call. May your light shine through him, Lord, that your peace may come to that far off land where he serves, and then may come to know you through what they see in Steve.
Be, O Lord, Steve's dwelling and his refuge, and set your angels about him to keep him from evil.
And Lord God, surround Erin, Reed and Lillian with your love and protection, and your wonderful provision while Steve is away, that the may be safe and want for nothing.
And reunite them all safely soon.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Then everyone participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. At this point, the tears were not going to be held in so everyone seemed to start. There were very few dry eyes in the room. After the pledge, a poem was read. The poem was written by Mr. Edward Abell Jr., also a partner at the firm. This is what he wrote:
Steven T. Ramos - Warrior, Lawyer
As lawyers, we call ourselves warriors,
But few of us go off to WAR-
for a judge and a jury are one thing,
Bombs and bullets another, by FAR!
So we all look in awe at our partner
Who's about to head off the Iraq
And we will be waiting and praying
For the time when he safely comes back.
We are grateful to Steven for his service
To protect our great nation for all,
And proud he has mustered the courage
To stand tall and respond to the call.
So, Steven, we all thank you for serving
As part of the proud combat team
Of the 256th Louisiana
National Guard Combat Team.
We will be here to welcome and greet you
On the day you return from Iraq
And you know that our prayers will be with you
Until you have come safely back!
Then Mr. Steve Lanza, another partner explained to everyone the time line and such of the upcoming deployment. He said many wonderful and supportive words to us (unfortunately, I don't have the exact words to write here). Steven works very closely with Steve and I know that his absence will impact him greatly so we are so thankful for his support and compassion.
Then to wrap up the day, Onebane presented us with many wonderful blessings. Steven received an I-Pod Shuffle with an I Tunes gift card to bring along with him in Iraq and I was given a gift certificate to Cena who has already made meals that you purchase and just heat up! They also made a donation to the 256th Family Readiness Group. Steven then got up to thank everyone and made a point to recognize how supportive everyone has been and how honored he is to work with so many people who love our Country and have never asked him to put it second. The presentation was concluded and everyone made their way over to us for words of support and encouragement, offers of help, and of course, hugs.
I had no idea what to expect when I walked in that room and I am still in awe of what happened. This deployment is going to be so hard for us but we will get through it. And it helps so much to know that we don't have the added stresses of an unsupportive employer to worry about. Steven's office will be waiting for him when he returns to continue his career with the firm. I am so unbelievably honored and proud that we are a part of Onebane Law Firm.
I don't think I could ever really express how thankful I am to everyone who put so much time and effort into this wonderful celebration. But, I will try...Thanks to everyone for their continued love and support and we look forward to celebrating Steven's return next year!
See ya next year!
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