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Welcome home 3rd Radio Bn.

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 10/13/2003

Story by Sgt. Joseph A. Lee

MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(October 6, 2003) -- Twenty 3rd Radio Battalion Marines were welcomed home by their family members and friends Monday after a near-nine month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Balloons, banners, candy, gifts and beverages were abundant in front of the 3rd Radio Bn. headquarters building, as the bus came to a stop and released the desert camouflage-adorned Marines to awaiting family members and friends.

"We are glad to have them all back," said Maj. John A. Stanton, 3rd Radio Bn. executive officer. "Some of these Marines have been deployed for quite a while, and the battalion is almost as eager as their families to have them back home."

Elida Rodriguez and her 2-year-old son, Miguel, were ecstatic at the first sight of Gunnery Sgt. Miguel Rodriguez Sr. She had not seen her husband in nine months, since his deployment to Iraq.

"It's been so long, I am so glad he was able to come home to see his son who missed him more than anything," she said.

"It's nice to know that people missed you while you were away. To see all the Marines showing up for our return is also pretty moving," said her husband, who is an analyst in Alpha Co.

Fellow 3rd Radio Bn. Marines were there to greet some of the single Marines returning to the unit, offering them a cold beverage and a firm handshake.

The welcome home was something the Marines of 3rd Radio Bn. have been looking forward to for a long time.

Along with family members and friends, Key Volunteers from the unit were present to give the returning Marines several gifts of fresh-baked cookies and candy, as well as to present a large "Welcome Home" banner they had constructed while the Marines were gone.

"The support from the Key Volunteers is outstanding," said Stanton. "They come out here and show their support as if it was their own family returning, because many of them know exactly what it's like to wait for a returning spouse."

Also returning to her family was Gunnery Sgt. Becky Erbe, of 3rd Radio Bn., who was greeted by her husband, Greg, and children Nick, Alex and Holly.

"We are all back together again as a family, and that is what matters most," said Erbe.

"It's great to have her back," said her husband. "It's been so long; I'm just so happy to have her back."