Hugs and joy were the order of the day Monday for Sgt. Josh Holden, top right, and other members of the Marine Reserves who returned to Tucson from Iraq. Among those welcoming Holden were Brandy Craig, with the hug, and niece Tiffany Holden, reaching out.
By Carol Ann Alaimo
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Halfway around the world, through choking dust storms, hellish heat and homesick nights, one thought kept Marine Cpl. Vanessa Matlock going as she served in the war in Iraq.
She dreamed of getting a welcome home kiss from her 3-year-old son. On Monday, she came home to collect it.
"I've got butterflies in my stomach. I've been dreaming about this for months," Matlock, 23, said as she hoisted son Ruben for a smooch as scores of other Tucsonans laughed, cried and hugged their own returning loved ones.
