Photo By Cpl. Timothy Childers | A loved one waits for the Marines and sailors from 7th Engineer Support Battalion,...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – More than 250 service members from 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, returned home, Dec. 2, after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Marines and sailors were welcomed by their families with warm embraces as they marched to the center of their barracks complex.
The loved ones waited patiently as Marines and sailors turned in their rifles to the armory. They displayed many colorful signs that welcomed home their returning service members.
The Marine Corps Community Services organization provided food, entertainment and prizes for the family members as they waited. The United Services Organization also attended the homecoming. The volunteers offered free tickets, prizes, food and stockings made by a 5th grade class of a local school.
“We want to say thank you to all the troops fighting for our freedom,” said Pat McCollough, USO volunteer. “This is our way of giving back.”
Many family members and friends came to see their returning Marine or sailor. It was a proud moment for them to see their son or daughter return from serving their country overseas.
“We’re very proud of [our son],” said Claudia L. Robles, mother of Cpl. Marco A. Robles, “We’re glad he’s coming home safe. We’re so excited today because we have been waiting for this day to come since he left seven months ago.”
The service members from the remaining element of 7th ESB were equally excited and ready to see the rest of their unit return home. Some had returned from the same deployment early and could not wait to see the Marines.
Lance Cpl. Jarrod L. Bridwell, motor transport operator, Company C, 7th ESB, CLR-1, 1st MLG, was one of the Marines who returned earlier. Bridwell said he loved coming back home and was sure these Marines will enjoy their return. He was also proud of the battalion’s accomplishments in Afghanistan.
“I’m glad for them to come back home after serving their country,” said Staff Sgt. John J. Pilzite, assistant family readiness officer, Headquarters and Support Company, 7th ESB, CLR-1, 1st MLG. “The Marines deserve some time to spend with their families. It’s time for someone else to get into the fight.”
For the Marines and sailors that returned home, they could not be any happier.
“I’m definitely excited to see my friends and family,” said Staff Sgt. Nathan Duenos, senior watch officer, H&S Company, 7th ESB, CLR-1, 1st MLG. “It’s nice being on American soil. We did great work in Afghanistan, and the mission tempo was high. I think we deserve some time to relax back home.”
Corporal Kenneth J. Nunez, bulk fuel specialist, Bulk Fuel Company, 7th ESB, CLR-1, 1st MLG, said the battalion did a number of operations. He said they generally would construct observation posts, take temporary assigned duty for convoys, and maintain the forward operating base.
There was another wave of Marines and sailors returning home later that night. This completed the battalion’s deployment with a total of 503 Marines and sailors returning. After spending time with their loved ones, the service members will continue to do their duties and stay sharp as they enjoy being home.
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.03.2012 11:16 |
| Story ID: | 81991 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 135 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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