thedrifter
02-26-07, 09:57 AM
'Our hero' gets warm welcome in Vero Beach
By ED BIERSCHENK
ed.bierschenk@scripps.com
February 26, 2007
VERO BEACH — The love and pride native son Regan Jones has earned in his relatively young life was evident by the hugs and smiles that greeted him at every turn Sunday afternoon.
"We're proud of him. He's our hero," said Ace Cappelen, whose grandchildren grew up with Jones in the McAnsh Park area.
Jones returned home a couple of weeks ago seemingly displaying no lingering effects from the battlefield wound that earned him a Purple Heart.
The 26-year-old Marine with his close-cropped hair, ramrod straight posture and firm handshake seemed the picture of health as he was feted at a welcome home party at the Vero Beach Elks Lodge.
He didn't want to discuss details of the wound to his right shoulder, but rather wanted people to remember all the soldiers in the area — some of whom have been killed — in service to their country.
A platoon commander with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Jones was injured shortly after arriving in Iraq. The second lieutenant wasn't seeking to go back home after the injury, but instead readily returned to the field to "do my job."
Rather than talking about the specifics of the war in Iraq, Jones noted that "Marines want to do a good job in everything they do."
He did say, though, that the Iraqi people he encountered were for the most part "glad to see us."
In the fall, he will be returning to that country for another seven months — knowing he has the backing of his parents, Calvin and Becky Jones, and his wife, Mary.
"She's been very supportive of everything I do and always been there," said Jones.
Calvin Jones said his son, who expressed a desire to join the military at a young age, has always acted mature and been a natural leader. The time he has spent in the Marines has only increased that side of him.
Ellie
By ED BIERSCHENK
ed.bierschenk@scripps.com
February 26, 2007
VERO BEACH — The love and pride native son Regan Jones has earned in his relatively young life was evident by the hugs and smiles that greeted him at every turn Sunday afternoon.
"We're proud of him. He's our hero," said Ace Cappelen, whose grandchildren grew up with Jones in the McAnsh Park area.
Jones returned home a couple of weeks ago seemingly displaying no lingering effects from the battlefield wound that earned him a Purple Heart.
The 26-year-old Marine with his close-cropped hair, ramrod straight posture and firm handshake seemed the picture of health as he was feted at a welcome home party at the Vero Beach Elks Lodge.
He didn't want to discuss details of the wound to his right shoulder, but rather wanted people to remember all the soldiers in the area — some of whom have been killed — in service to their country.
A platoon commander with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Jones was injured shortly after arriving in Iraq. The second lieutenant wasn't seeking to go back home after the injury, but instead readily returned to the field to "do my job."
Rather than talking about the specifics of the war in Iraq, Jones noted that "Marines want to do a good job in everything they do."
He did say, though, that the Iraqi people he encountered were for the most part "glad to see us."
In the fall, he will be returning to that country for another seven months — knowing he has the backing of his parents, Calvin and Becky Jones, and his wife, Mary.
"She's been very supportive of everything I do and always been there," said Jones.
Calvin Jones said his son, who expressed a desire to join the military at a young age, has always acted mature and been a natural leader. The time he has spent in the Marines has only increased that side of him.
Ellie