MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Sept. 16 marked a day of celebration for family members of 23 reserve Marines of 4th Force Reconnaissance Company and 28 Marines of 3rd Radio Bn., as each unit celebrated the return of its Marines from a seven-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 4th Force Reconnaissance Marines' mission was to plan, coordinate and conduct amphibious reconnaissance, deep ground reconnaissance and surveillance, battle space shaping, and limited scale raids.
The Marines undertook each mission as it was given to them, and executed each with such precision that all Marines returned home safely.
After being deployed for seven months, the Hawaii Marines were definitely glad to be home again.
"We were prepared to stay as long as it took," said Maj. Mark Hashimoto, platoon commander with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. "We were over there for seven months. But, I can definitely say that I'm happy to be home."
"I can sleep and eat real food again," said New York native Lance Cpl. Richard Slinger, with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company.
"It was funny; all he asked for was a mom's home-cooked meal and my special potato salad," said Vera Slinger, proud mother of the lance corporal. "I'm really ecstatic and thank God that he is home safe, and I'm sure everyone in New York is just as thrilled as I am."
Mrs. Slinger wasn't the only mom attending the celebration to welcome her son home.
"I just thank God he's home and safe," said Kathie Earhart, the mother of Cpl. Brandon Earhart, a member of 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. "Moms aren't made to send their sons to war. I sent my dad, I sent my husband, but I wasn't ready to send my son. "I'm glad he's home and safe."
"He's been gone for seven months, it's good to have him home," said Mrs. Sonia Malloy, spouse of Gunnery Sgt. Arren L. Malloy, an analyst with 3rd Radio Bn. "I feel great. I couldn't wait to get home and see my wife and kids," said the gunny.
Being in the sand for seven months encouraged some to make a visit to the sands of Hawaii - where there is an ocean to cool off in - a priority.
"The first thing I'm going to do is go to the beach and get some surfing time in. I spent all that time in the desert, with no water around," said Slinger.