Jon is Back!

The Tulsa airport was alive with anticipation on Saturday morning. Around 200 family members, Marine veterans, and friends of the 23 members of the 323rd Platoon, Jump Company Marine Reserve Unit from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma were returning from Iraq.

The children played, the wives chatted excitedly, and everyone anxiously watched the clock and the hallway leading from the American Airlines gate.

Finally, the airport security gave the thumbs-up. The plane had arrived! The civilian passengers departed first, making their way through the crowded waiting area. I overheard one man declare, "Wow! This makes me wish I were a Marine!"

Erin, Kaden, and Will were eagerly waiting at the edge of the "Do Not Enter" line leading to the security check area. I was poised with a ready camera.

And then, we saw them. Warriors, dressed in their Marine fatigues, standing tall, their presence filling the hallway as they made their way to cheers, smiles and tears. Mighty men, with a willingness to serve our country being welcomed home by those who support them, pray for them and love them.









"Daddy, are you ready to go home?"

Remember those who have now gone to replace this unit.