First Marines to return to California base face readjustment

Mercury News ^ | 5/19/03 | Bruce Haring - AP

[NormsRevenge]

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - After an emotional homecoming, the first wave of Marines to return to this desert base from combat missions in Iraq now face the difficult challenge of readjusting to life stateside.

A group of 69 troops were greeted by tears and embraces from some 200 relatives and friends Saturday night after a 40-hour trek from the Middle East. The soldiers, most of them deployed since January, were the first of 1,500 Marines expected to return to Twentynine Palms this week.

[NormsRevenge]

On Sunday, wounded Marine Sgt. Aaron Wintterle Jr., deployed in January from Twentynine Palms, was honored with a plaque for service to his country by the Costa Mesa Fire Department. Wintterle was shot in the face by an Iraqi suicide bomber at a Baghdad intersection.

God Bless and God Speed, Marines.

Thank You for Your Service and Sacrifice, Sgt. Aaron.

[snippy_about_it]

Welcome Home bump!

[homeschool mama]

I'm humbled by their service...for the very freedoms I hold dear and many times take for granted. God bless every one of these fine men.

[RaceBannon]

From the Iraqi Desert to the California Desert!

At least there are air conditioners in California!