Marine Cpl. Ricky Slocum welcomed back home in Orlando

Marine gets surprise welcome at Orlando airport
Posted: Sep 10, 2012
My FOX Orlando
By Chase Cain, Reporter

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO)
After almost a year in Afghanistan, a local Marine was expecting to make a quiet return home, he thought. Instead, he got a day to remember.

The First Academy (TFA) Wounded Warrior Club and retirees from Lockheed Martin helped organize this welcome home for Marine Cpl. Ricky Slocum, and everyone from veterans to high school students brought their signs and flags to the airport on Sunday.

"They could be doing a lot of different things, but they chose to fight for me being able to go to school and do what I do on the weekends, without fear of something bad happening to me," said Sam Goudy. "So, it's really the least I could possibly do for them."

The group eventually caught up with the 23 year-old Marine in baggage claim.

"I honestly didn't expect this," said a surprised Slocum. "I'm shocked!" Greeted with hugs, gifts, and heartfelt thanks, Slocum added, "I'm blessed. I really am. I've been away from home for a long time, and I'm glad to be back in my country"

And as for his friends still serving overseas, Slocum says, "Just pray for them. Just keep them in your prayers. That's all."

A simple request this crowd was happy to fulfill.



For subscribers of Wounded Times, Cathy Haynes is in this report!