Battalion 1/4, Bravo Company, returned home to Camp Pendleton today after their seven-month deployment to Iraq.  An emotional reunion on the parade deck. 

            Nothing quite like watching moms and dads, girlfriends, brothers and sisters, young wives with their children in tow

... ready to greet their loved ones.  The American flags were waving from onlookers who stood on the streets to cheer and applaud several hundred returning Marines. 

            But nothing can compare to watching our young Marine greet his mother.  An overwhelming sense of relief, pride and happiness ... as Lori and Barrett embraced. 

            We spent the remainder of the day taking care of details on base, and then driving to Orange County to run a few errands ... and to see Barrett’s friends and family.  He is required to report for duty Wednesday ... before taking an extended weekend leave. 

            Join me in welcoming Barrett home!