Posted on 03/22/2006 10:18:44 PM PST by SandRat
NORFOLK, Va. (Mar. 21, 2006) -- Balloons and streamers hang from the wall and ceiling. Anxious family members wait patiently inside as cold wind blows and rain pours, but doesn't dampen the spirit. Twelve Marines from Company A(-), 4th Amphibious Assault Battalion are returning from deployment and in about an hour, hugs and tears of joy will replace the anxiety.
Mothers and wives discussing what to cook tonight for the Marines' first meal home provide a backdrop at the Little Creek Amphibious Base USO in Norfolk, Va., for this reunion. The 12 Marines were attached to the 3rd Provisional Security Company, a unit responsible to provide security for Camp Lemonier, headquarters for Combined-Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti.
"This deployment was about reserves standing up and doing as much as the active force in contributing to the war on terror," said 1stSgt Gary Belton, the inspector / instructor first sergeant for Co. A(-). "The Marines we sent were all E-3 and below and they worked as leaders. This enhances leadership and these Marines will be an asset to our unit."
Maj. William Blanchard, inspector instructor for Co. A(-) expressed that these Marines have become more worldly through this deployment and gained life experience and the esprit d' corps that a deployment provides. "They will bring real world, combat mindset, experience to the unit."
"Email has helped tremendously," said JoAnn Wells, mother of LCpl Robert "Preston" Mason, a second generation Marine from Chesterfield, Va., speaking of technology bridging the gap between a deployed Marine and his family. "We have family coming, and are having (a belated) Thanksgiving dinner this weekend. I'm just looking forward to giving him a big hug."
As the phone calls come in updating the families that the Marines have pulled through the gate, families stream out in to the cold rain. The reunion has begun, and Marines have returned from doing what Marines do; serving in any clime and place, fighting the war on terror.
WELCOME HOME MARINES!!!!!
BTTT
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