N.C.-Based Marines Return Home From Iraq

Associated Press ^ | June 28 | Associated Press

[mdittmar]

Families and friends greeted troops with tears and cheers Saturday as the last wave of Marines from Task Force Tarawa returned to their home base from Iraq.

"I'm super blessed," said Gunnery Sgt. Bryant Davis, 36, of Atlanta, who let out three "Wooos!" after embracing his young nieces outside Camp Lejeune's barracks.

Davis was one of 2,000 Marines aboard the USS Kearsarge, the last of the seven-ship Amphibious Task Force East that arrived on the North Carolina coast this past week.

"It's a beautiful day to come to the United States of America," said Davis, an 18-year Marine veteran.

Troops from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, which saw heavy fighting and 23 members die during the war, began arriving in stages at Camp Lejeune and neighboring bases a week ago. A total of 7,000 ground troops and aviators were expected to be home by Sunday.

Marines came ashore on landing crafts as the sun rose Saturday. Awaiting families at the pier held children, signs and mementos of their returning Marines.

The parents of Lance Cpl. Michael Thompson carried a sign with the signature of first- and second-graders at St. Luke's Lutheran School in Culpeper, Va., where Thompson's mother, Andrea, teaches.

"We are relieved to have him home," Andrea Thompson said. "It's been an emotional roller coaster."

The Virginia-based flotilla carried about 5,000 sailors, more than 7,000 Lejeune-based Marines and tons of heavy equipment and aircraft during service in the Middle East. The Kearsarge is due back at its home port in Norfolk, Va., on Monday.

While in Iraq, brigade members helped rescue Army Pvt. Jessica Lynch and captured 1,000 prisoners of war. They also helped liberate the cities of Nasiriyah, Amarah, Diwaniyah and Kut. Fifty-eight brigade members were wounded.

"We can't forget the ones who didn't make it home," Andrea Thompson said.

Over half of Camp Lejeune's 30,000 troops were overseas in Iraq and other stations this winter and spring. About 2,300 members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit returned a month ago.

Brenda Echterling, 44, of LaGrange, Ind., worried her son, Lance Cpl. David Echterling, would be delayed further when the Kearsarge was ordered to travel to Liberia to evacuate U.S. citizens after civil war broke out there. But the Kearsarge was ordered home again after a cease-fire agreement was signed in Liberia earlier this month.

Brenda Echterling said: "I started crying when I found out his ship had been diverted to Liberia, but it's OK now. He's home."

Melissa D'Orta cried tears of joy as her husband, Staff Sgt. Jeramie D'Orta of Orange County, Va., approached her with daughter Nicole, and son, Vincent, already in his arms.

"I'm home, baby, I'm home," the sergeant said. "It's all right."

His wife said later: "It's just wonderful."

[mdittmar]

Welcome home Marines.

[AppyPappy]

Our adopted Marine arrives in Norfolk on July 4th.

[colorado tanker]

What a beautiful picture!

[Prodigal Son]

MSNBC has a pretty decent slide show of this homecoming. Some poignant photos as well. Marines drinking to their slain buddies' memories. One dead Marine's dad coming to shake hands with his son's platoon. It's worth a look.

[COBOL2Java]

My grandson's Dad returned home that day in NC, and his other grandma (Dad's mom) brought the little guy down from Northern VA to see him. Words can't describe how excited this little 4-year old was to see his Daddy after such a long time. Once he got to him, he didn't let go. The reunion was wonderful for all, and I'm told that Dad looked great, although quite a bit more "seasoned" than when he left 5 months ago.

Waiting for the pictures to develop!

[Sir Gawain]

Got a link?

[mykdsmom]

A NC Welcome home to our soldiers!

[Prodigal Son]

Oops, faux pas on my part- here's the link to that slide show:

http://www.msnbc.com/c/0/164/469/ssMain.asp

[mdittmar]

Tell your son "thank you" for me.

[Prodigal Son]

See my number 8.

[COBOL2Java]

MSNBC has a pretty decent slide show of this homecoming. Some poignant photos as well. Marines drinking to their slain buddies' memories. One dead Marine's dad coming to shake hands with his son's platoon. It's worth a look.

Don't know how long it will be there, but go here and click on "Picture Stores: Home From Iraq". If gone from that page, then look in archives for June 19 - 26.

[mdittmar]

ping

[Soaring Feather]

Thank you so much for the ping! Ohhhh I am so happy for these guys coming home, heavy hearted for the ones who are not. Prayers for all the families.

[Vinnie]

Thanks Marines, well done.
Glad to have you back.

[Dubya]

WELCOME HOME MARINES

Triumphant return

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

I'm super blessed," said Gunnery Sgt. Bryant Davis, 36, of Atlanta, who let out three "Wooos!" after embracing his young nieces outside Camp Lejeune's barracks.

Thank you for this post.

Welcome home, troops!

FIRST HUG FROM DADDY Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Jelinek holds his four-month-old son, Keegan, for the first time, June 25. Jelinek is returning home after a six-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom onboard USS Bataan. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sondra Howett Related Story on Navy Newsstand

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Thank You Marines and Sailors for protecting our country.

[Jen]

Is this your unit that just returned home?

[photogirl]

Bump

[Jimidallas]

Welcome Home Marines ! Thank You for defending our FREEDOM !