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1st Radio Bn. greeted by family and friends

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 6/15/2003

Story by Cpl. Luis R. Agostini

MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(June 9, 2003) -- After four months of their deployment to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, approximately 120 Marines from 1st Radio Battalion returned to their family and friends on Oahu when their flight landed Monday afternoon outside Hangar 105 MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

After countless "Is that it? Is that the plane?" inquiries from friends and family members, the Marine Corps-chartered Hawaiian Airlines 767 landed at around 3 p.m.

As the commercial liner taxied toward Hangar 105, 1st Radio Bn.'s commanding officer, Lt. Col. Mark Aycock, proudly waved the Marine Corps colors from the cockpit window, much to the delight of the welcoming crowd.

Among the returning OIF vets was Maj. Donald Thieme, G-5 Central Command planner, Marine Forces Pacific. Thieme was greeted by his wife, Lilly, and his children, Matthew, Samuel and Sarah. He also met his youngest son, David, who was born just three weeks ago.

"If I had to describe my wife in one word, it would be perseverance," said Thieme, describing his wife's solo efforts during his deployment.

After what seemed like an eternity to Jennifer Bartlett, Sgt. Donald Bartlett, a food services specialist with Headquarters and Service Co., 1st Radio Bn., donning black shades and an M16A2 slung over his right shoulder, stepped off the plane and into the arms of his wife, Jennifer.

"It's great to have him home," said Mrs. Bartlett.

1st Radio Battalion's mission is to provide communications support for Marine Corps intelligence organizations and to conduct electronic warfare.

During OIF, 1st Radio Bn. supported forces in both Kuwait and Iraq, and half of the unit deployed in direct support of the ground attack.

Approximately 250 1st Radio Bn. Marines deployed February, to Kuwait and into Iraq in support of OIF. Forty Radio Battalion Marines returned May 19. 70 Marines will remain behind in the Central Command area until later this summer in support of ongoing operations.