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thedrifter
11-25-05, 04:36 AM
Thank you so much
November 25,2005
BY CHRIS MAZZOLINI
DAILY NEWS STAFF

It's one thing to be away from home on Thanksgiving; it's quite another to be in another country.

Staff Sgt. LeMarcus Staley, a 29-year-old Marine with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, arrived home from Iraq in September. And while he can't get home to see his family, he wasn't stuck alone this Thanksgiving.

That's because the USO in Jacksonville served turkey dinner to thousands of Marines, sailors and family members Thursday. It's their way of giving the area's warriors a touch of home, a warm meal and a big thank you - with gravy on top.

"It's a good thing that the USO puts these deals on," Staley said. "We helped set up yesterday. Then to come back today and see the smiling faces of Marines and family members was great."

The USO, helped by a host of volunteers, does everything it can to cater to the Marines. When they walk through the door, the first thing they see is tables covered with cakes and cookies, and other Marines lounging on couches, watching football or playing pool.

Officials expected to feed upwards of 2,500 Thursday.

A line of volunteers wearing plastic gloves dished out turkey and all the fixings. Staley chose to pile his plate high.

"Have to have the energy to keep up with these young guys," he joked.

Staley said he still wishes he could be with family, but he's grateful nonetheless to spend Turkey Day stateside.

"It's rough (on deployment)," he said. "They feed us, but it's not the same. Everybody likes to be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are family holidays with the whole spark of togetherness. You're together with your brothers in arms, but you're still not together with your family."

For Marines Artemus Watson, 22, and Anthony Uriz, 18, this is their first Thanksgiving away from home. New Marines who graduated from boot camp Nov. 10, they said they were grateful for the food and the company.

"Free food," said Watson. "I'm up for that."

"It's great," said Uriz. "At least we get some Thanksgiving dinner."

Both the Marines gave the meal excellent reviews.

"Just like home," said Watson.

Ellie