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A happy homecoming for Fort Gordon soldiers Save Email Print
Posted: 8:59 PM Oct 7, 2008
Last Updated: 12:02 PM Oct 8, 2008
Reporter: Katie Beasley
Email Address: Katie.Beasley@wrdw.com

A | A | A

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.

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Posted by: mom Location: Deltona Fl on Oct 13, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Love and miss ya. proud of you and what you have become, a proud father and husband. Keep up the good work.Love all of you, mom

Posted by: Cheryl Location: Canton, Ohio on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:17 AM
Welcom home JJ. We love you and missed you so very much... Aunt Cheryl

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