3rd Recon Marines, loved ones reunite

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Valle | Maj. Steven Prather is greeted by his family on Camp Schwab, Nov. 27 after returning from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan. Prather is the executive officer, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.  

AICHI, JAPAN

11.27.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Valle 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - More than 34 Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion’s advanced party returned to Okinawa Nov. 27, where they were met with open arms following a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

“It has been hard for all of us here not having them around, but we are so proud of every one of them,” said Elizabeth Myers, wife of Sgt. Andrew D. Myers, a reconnaissance Marine with 3rd Recon. Bn., 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Marines’ mission while in Afghanistan was to maintain stability within Helmand province, according to Sgt. Patrick T. Washington, a reconnaissance Marine the battalion.

“I am just excited that they are home,” said Myers. “I love my husband so much. I am so proud of him.”

When the Marines arrived at Sangin Valley, they fought constantly to push the insurgents in the area out, according to Washington.

“After we pushed them out we had to fight to keep them out,” said Washington. “It was difficult from time-to-time, but we know that this is what we joined to do and we do it well.”

The Marines’ time in the Sangin Valley had a positive impact on the relationship between the Afghan communities and U.S. military forces, according to Washington.

“I did see that we made a huge difference over there,” said Washington. “We were constantly fighting to make sure those people were safe, and they trusted in us to do so.
“We are all happy to be back,” he said.

• Date Taken: 11.27.2011
• Date Posted: 12.01.2011 06:25
• Story ID: 80760
• Location: AICHI, JP