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Panhandle Soldiers Home from War
03/20/09 - 12:00 PM
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Bree Sison - bio
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Bay County, Fla:

Today 21 soldiers are happy to be home as they return from a year of service in Iraq.

Cards, banners, and posters were hung all over the Panama City Airport to give the soldiers a hero’s welcome. While the Patriot Guard and the Veterans of Foreign War stood by, the soldiers’ families couldn’t be held back.

“Every time I go away and come back they’ve gotten a little taller and are talking a little better. As they venture out and do more things they’ve got a bunch of stories to tell me when I get back,” says one soldier in the Army Reserve’s 576th Transportation Detachment.

The Unit’s Commander was thrilled with the turnout but says the most important thing isn’t the celebrations, it’s who came home. “I left with 21 soldiers. I came back with 21 soldiers. I can’t ask for anything more,” said Capt. Lonnie James.

News 13 met Sgt. Michael Geist last March when he left for Kirkuk, Iraq. Geist says it’s safe to call it a tough year.

“You’re in a closed environment. You’re around the same people all the time. [We all deal with] the same kinds of stressors- from being away from home to being in an environment that is obviously hazardous,” said Sgt. Geist who was greeted at the Airport by his girlfriend and childhood friend.

“It was inspiring. It feels great to know people care,” said Geist as a Patriot Guard member gave him a hug.

“I think this young man is what America is all about. If you don’t fight for America, you’ll never have one.”

The 576th unit of the Army Reserve will hold an official welcome home ceremony tomorrow, Saturday March 21, at the Army Reserve office on 15th street. That ceremony starts at 12:30.

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