Soldier from Aston gets a hero’s welcome to the U.S.A.
TINICUM » U.S. Army SPC James Long Jr. had a simple reaction Friday as he received a hero’s welcome at the Philadelphia airport following his ninemonth deployment to Afghanistan: “It’s good to be home ... This is awesome.”
Long was greeted with a hug from his mother as he crossed through security at C terminal in Philadelphia International Airport.
In addition to his family, Warriors’ Watch Riders, A Hero’s Welcome and Stars, Stripes, Bars and Pipes biker support groups were on hand to greet Long with a flag salute and escort to his families home in Aston.
Philadelphia police escorted the motorcyclists and family south through a torrential downpour along the Industrial Highway, avoiding gridlocked I-95. At Aston, township police and firefighters joined the group escorting them past the Aston Fire Co., where Long is a volunteer firefighter.
Long, a graduate of Marple Newtown High School, enlisted in the Army following high school and served in the 82nd airborne, said his father, James Long Sr. During his time in Afghanistan he performed numerous patrol operations, receiving a combat medal. He spent much of his time in the Kandahar area as well as performing his speciality of mortar operations.
“I’m glad he’s home safe, that’s for sure, “said his mother, Kelley Long. “I am so proud of him but it is very difficult.” Kelley Long said on base, the family was able to communicate with their son through Face Time but when he was on patrol he was out of touch for weeks at a time.
Long Sr. said the family was not able to talk to him about the two causalities his unit suffered during his time in Afghanistan.
In August the Army reported Spc. Christopher Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, N.C., and Sgt. Jonathon Hunter, 23, of Columbus, Ind., both of the 82nd Airborne division, died near Kandahar City.
“He’s coming to the
“He’s coming to the end of his four years and is still trying to decide wether to re-enlist. He loved it and didn’t want to leave. It was a lifelong dream to serve in the military.” — James Long Sr.
end of his four years and is still trying to decide wether to re-enlist,” said Long Sr. “He loved it and didn’t want to leave. It was a life-long dream to serve in the military.”
Long is home for two weeks and then will return to Fort Bragg.
Maria Hyland, representative for A Hero’s Welcome, said the groups have been active for the past ten years welcoming returning soldiers home. She said they have hundreds of members and anyone is welcome to join.
“The first thing I’m going to do is get a Philly cheesesteak,” said Long as he took in the excitement.