My heart swells with pride today as I attended the homecoming of Ocala's 351st Military Police Company. These men and women were called up January of last year and deployed to Iraq in May of that year.
After having their deployment extended about a month, today they came home to a huge celebration of pride and joy at their return.
The troops arrived in Ft. Stewart, GA last week and after a week of debriefing, part of the unit who live in North Carolina left for Raleigh and the rest of the men and women returned to their unit HQ here to be reunited with friends and family.
The city and county put on a grand celebration, a parade, including hanging a huge flag from the extended booms of 2 fire department aerial units. There was several flyovers by local vintage warbirds, the sheriff helicopter unit and a Korea vintage fighter jet.
Songs, salutes, prayers, hugs, tears, speeches, gifts and presentations from community groups. It was a full morning.
Yet, with all the joy, there was a sad bitterness too. The unit lost 2 of its members while in Iraq. On May 9 Sgt. Rodney A. Murray of Ayden, N.C. lost his life in an accident between military vehicles. Then just eight days ago, on June 16, Sgt. Arthur S. Mastrapa of Apopka, FL died in a mortar attack the day before the second contingent of the 351st returned home.
The 351st is home, and we are proud of them. They served their country and their communities honorably and we are grateful they have come back to us.
Additional stories of the 351st:
Ocala's military reserves wait, watch Iraq tensely
That war is close hits home
Changing Uniforms
What if terror hits right here?
Police action
Being prepared
Families worry about deployment of 351st Company
Families of 351st tight knit
Security issues hinder show of troop support
A year's stay in Iraq
Gift of love
Versatile MP units serve in many capacities
Word from the front
Members of 351st may be home this month
Conviction and Courage
Members of 351st dealing with loss of comrade
Bittersweet
Honored Soldier
MP killed one day before departure
Fallen soldier leaves behind a large family
His Memory
A special Father's Day
'Special' event planned for 351st
Preparing for arrival
Welcome Home the Troops
Video: Ocala welcomes home members of 351st
Thousands turn out to welcome home the 351st
Slide Show of the Days Events Be sure to click the green "play" arrow to start the show
Friends, family recall fallen soldier


Be sure to visit Letters From Iraq