Marion Soldier Returns Home After 14 Months

By Claire Kellett, Anchor/Reporter

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By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Nov 5, 2009 at 10:52 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 10:52 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Travelers at the eastern Iowa airport Thursday wondered why a big crowd was waiting at the security gate holding welcome home signs.

One Marion mother wanted to surprise some special guests with a big show of support.

Debbie Pasker doesn't like to wait. But no one here gave her any grief for getting to the eastern Iowa airport more than an hour early this afternoon.

Debbie was almost too excited to talk. For the first time in more than a year, she'll give her only girl a hug. Debbie's daughter serves in the army.

"I miss her a lot, it's been a long 14 months," Debbie said, waiting anxiously in the Airport lobby.

Good thing Debbie has distractions. A few old friends and many Chrome Diva friends joined the welcoming committee.

"We just wanted Deb to know we're here for her and for her family, and we're very proud of Jess," said Cindy Tisdale.

Specialist Jess Brown, her husband Sergeant Ricky Brown, and their kids, Ricky Junior, 2, and Jourdin, 1, finally arrive.

Debbie gets her long-overdue hug.

Neither Jess nor her husband can talk on camera because of their role in the army, but their smiles say a lot.

They're thrilled to spend time with family.

"Focusing just on the day, not looking at next Wednesday, just the next few days and having fun," Debbie said.

This family plans on having 14 months worth of fun in the six short days they have together. They'll be celebrating 3 birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, as well as watching the Hawkeye game this Saturday.

It's a lot of family fun, but they all won't see each other again for months. Jess only has a brief break from serving. Late next week, she goes back overseas until early spring.

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