Twenty-Three Oklahoma Marines Return Home From Iraq

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- Twenty-three Oklahoma Marines are now home and celebrating with their families. A hero's welcome was held Saturday evening for the Marines of Broken Arrow's anti-tank company.

The men were deployed last June and spent the past four months in Iraq. 

"Very happy, ecstatic, it's great," said LCpl. Jonathan Banfield, a Marine.

The families welcomed the men home with hugs, tears and plenty of pictures.

"This is the best feeling in the world. I've waited for this for almost four months," said Monica Lumley, a Marine's wife.

For LCpl. Devon Lumley it's the first time he's seeing his baby boy in person. He has been able to track little Jacob through the Internet, but it's this homecoming he has waited months for.

Dan Bewley: "First time you've seen him in person."

LCpl. Devon Lumley: "It's awesome."

Dan Bewley: "Got a tight grip there."

LCpl. Devon Lumley: "Yeah, I probably won't be letting him go for a while."

The Marines were deployed last June. Their mission was to help provide security for an air base in Iraq's Anbar Province. The men are proud to serve, even if it means being a world away from their families and loved ones.

"Just the stress of being away from your family and everything, it's hard but you do what you have to do," said LCpl. Devon Lumley.

Many of the Marines said they didn't know what to expect when they walked through the doors. 

LCpl. Jonathan Banfield has been deployed four times. This was the first time his family has ever been able to welcome him directly off the bus.

"The best thing in the world," said LCpl. Jonathan Banfield.

For LCpl. Lumley the joy of holding Jacob is a dream come true.

Dan Bewley: "I'm sure you've thought about this moment for quite some time. Was this anything like you imagined?"

LCpl. Devon Lumley: "No, it's better. I couldn't imagine the excitement. It's awesome."

Three more Marines from this company are still in Afghanistan and another group from here is scheduled to be deployed to Haiti in April.