thedrifter
05-15-07, 06:55 AM
Millbrook Man Returns from Iraq; Brother Prepares for Deployment
May 14, 2007 10:59 PM
This is the first time Jimenez family has seen each other face to face in over a year. And another family reunion is perhaps another year away. That's because one son just returned from Iraq and another is on his way to the country.
For 26-year-old Matt, Monday night was a homecoming celebration. But for his younger brother Josh, it was a going away party.
Josh and his wife Hillary are used to separation. Josh has spent time in Iraq before.
"This time will be much harder because I'm leaving behind two children," Josh said.
Hillary recalled, "the first time he left, I was pregnant. And now I have two kids to take care of."
Following in their father's footsteps, both Josh and Matt are Marines. Josh is a reserve gunner and Matt is a radar specialist.
Both men say, despite what you've seen on television, Iraq isn't as bad as it may appear.
"Things have gotten a lot better," Matt said. "You still hear about things, but that's just a minute part."
"You see little kids going back to school, bridges being built, women getting to vote," said Josh.
Neither Marine wants to see the other put in danger.
"My prayers are going to be with him as he goes," said Matt of his brother's upcoming deployment.
But both are happy to at least get this little time together with their family.
Matt used Monday night's party to propose to his girlfriend, Stephanie, before he finishes out a tour of duty in Japan. You'll be happy to know she said 'yes.'
They party was on the house, by the way, thanks to Jose of Jose's Cantina in Prattville, where Matt and Josh worked when they were in high school.
Reporter: Mark Bullock
Ellie
May 14, 2007 10:59 PM
This is the first time Jimenez family has seen each other face to face in over a year. And another family reunion is perhaps another year away. That's because one son just returned from Iraq and another is on his way to the country.
For 26-year-old Matt, Monday night was a homecoming celebration. But for his younger brother Josh, it was a going away party.
Josh and his wife Hillary are used to separation. Josh has spent time in Iraq before.
"This time will be much harder because I'm leaving behind two children," Josh said.
Hillary recalled, "the first time he left, I was pregnant. And now I have two kids to take care of."
Following in their father's footsteps, both Josh and Matt are Marines. Josh is a reserve gunner and Matt is a radar specialist.
Both men say, despite what you've seen on television, Iraq isn't as bad as it may appear.
"Things have gotten a lot better," Matt said. "You still hear about things, but that's just a minute part."
"You see little kids going back to school, bridges being built, women getting to vote," said Josh.
Neither Marine wants to see the other put in danger.
"My prayers are going to be with him as he goes," said Matt of his brother's upcoming deployment.
But both are happy to at least get this little time together with their family.
Matt used Monday night's party to propose to his girlfriend, Stephanie, before he finishes out a tour of duty in Japan. You'll be happy to know she said 'yes.'
They party was on the house, by the way, thanks to Jose of Jose's Cantina in Prattville, where Matt and Josh worked when they were in high school.
Reporter: Mark Bullock
Ellie