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thedrifter
10-15-06, 06:09 AM
Marines get happy welcome back home
1970s TV star Erik Estrada, who happened to be at the airport, joins 100 friends and relatives.

By Lawrence Budd

Staff Writer

Sunday, October 15, 2006

DAYTON — Even a surprise appearance by Erik Estrada failed to shift the spotlight on Saturday away from U.S. Marines returning home after six months in Iraq.

Cameras flashed and whirred, close to 100 friends and relatives whooped, cried and waved banners as more of the Marine Reserve Military Police Company C, 4th Marine Logistics Group, were welcomed by a crowd, including the CHiPs star, who happened on the event while heading home after an appearance in the Miami Valley.

Charley Company, returning after active duty, including time in dangerous Al Anbar province, landed in two groups at Dayton International Airport.

Palming a video camera, Sgt. Jay Swanson hugged wife, Kandy, and bent down to reintroduce himself to his "little man," 3-year-old Chance.

"It feels good to be back," said Swanson, 38, of Vandalia.

Lance Cpl. Joey Oeder, 20, of Wilmington, hugged and kissed relatives.

"That's my family. I'm good," he said, shouldering a bulging backpack and heading out into the parking lot.

Two members were injured, but the entire unit made it back from the war, officials said.

After three deployments, Maj. Lowell Rector suggested his unit might not need to return, having helped train Iraqis to take over their country's defense.

Patriot Guard Riders, motorcyclists who also support funeral services for soldiers killed in action, led the Marines into the awaiting crowd.

"This is a welcome home mission, which is much more fun," ride leader Mark Lockhart said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2261 or lbudd@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Ellie