MCB Hawaii -- Tears filled the eyes of family members and friends of Marines and sailors from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Thursday outside of the base chapel on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Marines from 3/3 returned from a seven-month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
About 200 service members arrived by bus from Hickam Air Force Base and were greeted with lei. This was first part of the main body returning from deployment.
“It’s good to be home,” said Lance Cpl. Joseph Patterson, basic rifleman, Kilo Company, 3/3. “It’s a lot better here than it is over there. I’m just looking forward to being with my family and getting some rest,” Patterson said.
Patterson was met by his wife after stepping of the bus.
“It was OK being apart.” Patterson’s wife, who is seven months pregnant, said. “I think we both grew from being apart.”
Although Nicole thinks the separation has helped her and husband grow, she found ways to keep herself busy while he was away.
Apart from being pregnant and dealing with all that comes along with it, she took part in church activities and maintaining the house.
Patterson’s wife wasn’t the only one missing her loved one. Sarah Sullivan was in tears the moment it was announced that the buses arrived on base.
Also pregnant while her husband was deployed, she tried to hold back her emotion, but when he arrived the tears streamed down her face.
As they held each other for the first time in months and posed for pictures, she put his hand on her stomach while their future little girl moved around.
The parking lot out side the chapel was full of groups talking to the people they haven’t seen for a while.
“I know the feeling of what they’re going through,” said Newt Sanson, family readiness officer, 3/3. “As a former Marine I’ve been in their position, and it makes me happy to see the families reunited. Almost to the point of tear jerking happy. It’s great feeling.”
The Marines and sailors couldn’t stay long. Even though they were home, there were still duties that needed to be taken care of.
The Marines and sailors wont be busy long. After they finished at the armory they were released on 96-hour liberty to relax and spend time with families.
Time that is well deserved after another successful deployment.