Marine reservists return from Afghanistan with joyful homecoming in Orlando

Marine reservists return from Afghanistan with joyful homecoming in Orlando
They transported troops and supplies across Afghanistan
By Dave Weber, ORLANDO SENTINEL
8:58 p.m. EDT, April 10, 2011
A crowd of more than 100 people, waving little American flags, welcomed the returning Marines, who had just flown in from California, at the Armed Services Reserve Center near Orlando International Airport. The reservists with Motor Transport Company A11 had carried troops and supplies across Afghanistan's rugged terrain during their seven-month deployment.

Home from Afghanistan and safe at last, 14 Marine reservists from Central Florida had a joyful reunion in Orlando Sunday night with family and friends.

"I am glad to be back!" said Lance Cpl. Ricky Herndon, 23, of Inverness, as he hugged his wife and two tiny daughters. "Words can't explain it. I am so happy."

Hayden, 2, and Madysen, 3, had grown, but Herndon's wife, Renae, laughed that she had not. She took his seven-month deployment as an opportunity to lose 116 pounds. When he saw her, Herndon lifted her up, swung her around and kissed her.

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Marine reservists return from Afghanistan with joyful homecoming in Orlando