A persistent rain failed to keep a crowd of 50-plus well-wishers from welcoming U.S. Marine Cpl. Bobby Owens home from a six-month stint in Afghanistan.
U.S. Marine Cpl. Bobby Owens, who landed Thursday at Chicago's Midway Airport, was officially welcomed home Saturday with a parade of friends and an escort from the police and the New Lenox Fire Protection District. The entourage gathered about 4 p.m. in a parking lot at Route 6 and Briggs Street in Joliet and parade snaked a few miles along Briggs Street, ending at the Belmont Athletic Club. Need a little 'good' news in your life? 'Like' our Good News, Chicago Facebook page for inspiring and uplifting stories in the Chicago area. The light rain was just enough to make 45 degree temperature uncomfortable for those awaiting the arrival of the guest of honor. Frankfort's John Cap, who regularly comes out to welcome military personnel back …
Members of the Frankfort and New Lenox fire departments surprised Jordan Kreml on Saturday with an escort to his family's New Lenox home. Kreml returned from 13 weeks of training.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
- Joe Vince
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Monday, January 30, 2012
Jordan Kreml first suspected something might be up when he noticed his brother showing his mom's friend a text message while they were riding back from the airport. But it was the apperance of the fire engine escort from the Frankfort and New Lenox fire protection districts that greeted Kreml and his family as they exited I-355 on their way to their New Lenox home Saturday that he knew his return from 13 weeks of Marines basic training would be something special. The members of Frankfort's cadet program organized this homecoming for Kreml, who joined the cadet program 2 1/2 years ago at the age of 16, said cadet adviser and fire engineer Brian Adcock. "It's good to have him back," Adcock said. "Unfortunately, I don't know if he'll come …
Marine Sgt. Ryan Griffin, 25, and his brother, 24-year-old Air Force Lt. Andrew Griffin were welcomed home for the holidays by residents at a celebration Wednesday, Dec. 28.
Braving Wednesday evening's bitter cold, dozens of area residents waited 45 minutes to give a red-white-and-blue welcome for two local heroes who came home for the holidays. The crowd waved American flags and gathered in a line to greet and thank Marine Sgt. Ryan Griffin, 25, and his brother, Air Force Lt. Andrew Griffin, 24. "We just want to thank everyone for coming out," said Andrew Griffin. "It's good to be back." The Griffins, sons of New Lenox Police detective Paul Griffin, arrived in style in a stretch Hummer. The outdoor meet and greet was held in the Kmart parking lot. "It's been many years since they were both home for Christmas," said Paul Griffin. "I'm very proud of them and everyone has been so supportive." Ryan Griffin, 25, …
Jackie Owens
2:17 pm on Thursday, December 20, 2012
Now that we have recovered from the excitement of our Marine's return home from the war and we have spent some quality time with Bobby, I would like to thank everyone who joined us in the celebration. Thank you to Mayor Balderman for taking time to welcome home one of New Lenox's sons, giving a heartfelt speach at the opening. I want to give special thanks to Warrior Watch, and The Soldiers … more ›