Marine Surprised By Homecoming

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- It was a surprise homecoming for a Green Country Marine on Monday. Sergeant Matthew Yetter just completed his third tour of duty in Iraq. He was looking forward to a quiet return to Claremore, but his parents had other plans.

Sgt. Yetter has been a Marine for six years now. His previous homecomings have included little fanfare, but this one was different.

Mathew's parents say their 27-year-old son isn't someone who needs, or seeks, recognition. But following his third tour of duty in Iraq, they decided to give it to him anyway.

"We usually go out and meet him in California when he gets off the plane out there, but we couldn't this time, so we thought we'd give him a welcome home here," said Dennis Yetter.

The surprise even included the local Boy Scout troop. Before becoming a Marine, Matthew was an Eagle Scout.

Extended family and members of the Yetter's church were also among the crowd of well-wishers. All signed a welcome home banner while waiting for Matthew's plane to land.

"He doesn't know nothing. I think he's going to be excited. He's going to be stunned about it when he comes up," said Cecilia Yetter.

When he finally emerged from the gate, he was, to put it mildly, stunned.

"They're always here, my parents are always here. Family's always here for me.  But not quite this big, this overwhelming," said Sgt. Yetter.

Unfortunately, Matthew's homecoming will be short-lived. He recently signed on for another five years in the Marines. He reports for duty, and possibly a fourth tour, this time in Afghanistan, in two and a half weeks. But for now, he's not worrying about that.

"It means a lot. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my guys.  Support's what's keeps us doing it you know?  We do it so none of these people have to," said Sgt. Yetter.

Matthew says he doesn't have any big plans for his time at home. He says he's been so busy over the past year, he is looking forward to simply doing nothing.