1434th Engineering Company Finishes Tour
GRAYLING, MI -- We're in the home of the free, and the land of the brave.
In Grayling Thursday, troops that served a year in Iraq returned home.
The 1434th Engineering Company has finished their tour in Iraq, and if you ask any of the soldiers, today is a good day.
The good day started early for Jennifer Carpenter and her two kids. They left their downstate home early this morning, and anticipation and excitement has been overwhelming.
"Seven months, it's our dad, Private William Carpenter," said Jonathan Good, who was excited to reunite with his dad.
"Excited, nervous, extremely happy, glad the year's over," laughed wife Jennifer Carpenter.
"It was so far a couple days ago, it felt like a year, and now it's a day, it's just like wow, it's just weird," said daughter Felisha Good.
Emotions were flying high at the Grayling football field. Family, friends, and military supporters, like the Patriot Guard, lined up and filled the stands to welcome these men and women who served our country overseas for a year.
"It's awesome, I can't wait to see him," said Jonathan.
And then they were seen, the courageous men wearing the camouflage of the red, white, and blue stepped on the fought-for American soil.
The soldiers lined up for the final time of this tour and they listened to the Star-Spangled Banner together as a unit.
And then, the 1434th Engineering Company stood at attention for what they anticipated one year ago. The captain dismissed his troops.
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"I almost lost it, I'm so happy, overjoyed," said Spc. William Carpenter.
"That's why his eyes are watery," laughed his daughter.
"Hey (laugh) she's going to tattle," laughed his wife.
“It's very joyful, I can't wait to get home and have fun with him," said Jonathan.
"I'm so excited that she's home now," said Sydney Libstorff, whose Mom returned home.
"This is what we call a really good day," said S. Sgt. Janice Lobstorff.
There was absolutely no shortage of hugs or tears on Thursday. People are just happy their soldiers are home.
