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| State Rep's Son Receives a Hero's Welcome Home from Afghanistan |
It could have felt like the longest four months of their lives has come to an end for the parents of a Gilson man who was called to serve his country in Afghanistan.
Tech Sergeant Justin Moffitt's four-month tour of duty with the 182nd Airlift Wing out of Peoria ended Friday with a hero's welcome at the Greater Peoria Regional Airport, followed by a caravan of police, firefighters, motorcycle riders representing several groups, and others taking Moffitt back to Knoxville and later Galesburg.
Tech Sergeant Moffitt is the son of Carolyn and State Representative Don Moffitt, and tells WGIL he never would have expected the welcome home he actually got. "I got a welcome far beyond what I deserve," Sgt. Moffitt said. "I was just doing my job, and I was doing it in a place for people that would probably do anything to be in my shoes as a soldier. It's very humbling, and as a soldier, I'm very appreciative I and the other troops receive."
Moffitt was greeted in Knoxville by his volunteer firefighter colleagues, and in Galesburg by his full-time compadres on the Galesburg Fire Department.
Moffitt primarily was a generator mechanic for the 182nd, but also did EMT work. Many members of the 182nd are still serving over in Afghanistan.
(Tech Sgt. Justin Moffitt hugs a well-wisher Friday at the Galesburg Central Fire Station.)
(Tech Sgt. Justin Moffitt speaks to Chief John Cratty, far left, Galesburg Fire Department colleagues, and others Friday upon returning home. Moffitt said he can't wait to get back on a fire truck. WGIL News Photos and Story by Will Stevenson.) |
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| 09 12 08 by Newsroom |
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