HooohRah, Marine.
Posted on 02/19/2012 6:39:57 PM PST by rarestia
Cheers erupted inside Tampa International Airport on Sunday as 22-year-old Marine Corporal Mike Nicholson arrived home.
Nicholson was on foot patrol in Afghanistan when he lost both legs and part of his left arm in an I.E.D. explosion July 6, 2011. He has been recovering at Bethesda Naval Hospital for months and is now using two prosthetic legs.
"It makes it all real, but also makes me really proud that he survived it," Nicholson’s uncle, Jim Hall, said. "He's toughed it out. He’s had great support in Bethesda. I can't say enough about the support here, from the church, to the Marine Corps -- great family and friends. It will all be alright."
Outside the airport, law enforcement officers and Patriot Guard Riders waited to escort Nicholson through Tampa to Christ the King Church.
There he was greeted with another hero’s welcome.
"There are no words even to describe how we’re feeling," Jocelyn Puleo said. "He’s come a long way and we’re all really proud of him."
A short ceremony at the church included remarks from Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Nicholson spoke briefly to the crowd, thanking everyone for their overwhelming support.
"You've all done so much and I just ask that you will do one more thing," said Nicholson. "Keep praying for the guys over in Afghanistan right now, for all the soldiers, Marines, sailors [and] airmen who are recovering right now in Bethesda, and Balboa, and San Antonio. Pray for the ones that didn't make it back."
Nicholson is a graduate of Plant High School.
22 year old triple-amputee comes home. God Bless him and his family. Gets me choked up.
Semper Fidelis, Marine.
HooohRah, Marine.
22-year-old Marine Corporal Mike Nicholson...America’s finest...thank you, sir.
Thanks to your family. Thanks to your friends.
Such a huge sacrifice. We owe him such a huge debt of gratitude.
Oooorah MARINE!
words fail me.
I was at the sled hockey tournament this weekend in San Antonio. You have to see how our returning heroes play hockey.
God Bless this Marine and his family!
Bet that filth in the WH doesn't give you a call...
Wonderful! Welcome home...
ping!
God bless Nicholson.
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