A happy homecoming for Fort Gordon soldiers
Save Email Print
Updated: 1:02 PM Oct 8, 2008
A happy homecoming for Fort Gordon soldiers
A happy homecoming for hundreds of soldiers today. The 63rd Signal Battalion returned to Fort Gordon after being in Iraq for more than a year. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters are back home with their families.
Posted: 9:59 PM Oct 7, 2008
Reporter: Katie Beasley
Email Address: Katie.Beasley@wrdw.com
Font Size:

News 12 at 6 o'clock, October 7, 2008

FORT GORDON, Ga.---Lisa Collins is waiting anxiously. She's about to see her husband Jeremiah for the first time since April, and he's about to see his daughter Kayla for the first time ever. "All he's talked about is the baby. That's all he wants to do. He wants to come home and hold the baby," says Lisa.

A baby, two and half months old who is already a daddy's girl. "I can't wait, I just wish he'd walk in right now," says Lisa.

And she's not alone. A room gym full of families know the soldiers, their loved ones, are lining up -- right now -- outside the building. "I'll tell you what. I've been sick to my stomach for the last three days, because we've been so excited," says Lisa.

"I'm probably going to run to him and give him a hug," says Preston Gethers, who's waiting to see his father.

And after months of waiting, the soldiers march in to their friends and family cheering them on. They line up in formation and are finally dismissed. Giving Jeremiah Collins the first chance to reunite with his family and see his baby daughter for the very first time. The embrace says it all. "It was great. I just couldn't believe that I'm finally home and that i can actually hold her," says Jeremiah.

"Guess who's home now." Specialist Scottie Skipper says as he tosses his son in the air. He couldn't wait to see his family. "I'm surprised I don't have a hole right here where my heart was. It was beating the whole way from the airport here," says Scottie.

Scottie says he's the luckiest man in the world. "It made me stronger as a husband and a father and a better soldier. I'm very blessed with a beautiful wife, I have two beautiful kids so I couldn't be more happy," says Scottie.

"Oh it's okay," assures Jeremiah. While he consoles young Kayla's tears, the plans for the rest of the day are already being made, even if he doesn't agree.

"I'm going home and I'm gonna relax for a while," says Jeremiah. "He can clean the house and take care of the baby," jokes his wife, Lisa.

The 63rd Signal Battalion were in Iraq setting up, running and maintaining communications. They're some of the ones who make it possible for everyone to there to communicate using computers and cell phones.


Big Brother Augusta Casting Call - Click here!
Ellen airs weekdays at 3PM on News 12.
Online Poll
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
Maxing Your Money Blog
Stocks
Sponsored Headlines