Community Corner
A Fourth of July to Remember for Soldier's Parents
After a year-long tour of duty, East Quogue soldier returns home from Iraq.
This Fourth of July, Matt and Karen Worrell of East Quogue had an Independence Day celebration of a different magnitude — on their youngest son arrived home safely from a year-long tour of duty in Iraq.
U.S. Army Specialist David Worrell, 20, had no idea what was in store when he landed at 10 a.m. at MacArthur Airport in Islip.
Members from local veterans organizations lined up in the terminal with full-sized American flags. As Worrell and his family walked out of the gate and past the security, the applause and cheering started. The excitement of his arrival traveled throughout the airport as employees, staff and security all joined in welcoming him home.
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Worrell was visibly moved by the welcome and was at a loss for words.
"I wasn't expecting this at all," he said.
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Islip Councilman Gene Parrington then presented Worrell with a citation from the town of Islip, thanking him for his service to our country, as well as mentioning all the organizations that welcomed him this holiday weekend.
"These are people that instead of staying home by the pool and having a barbecue, came out to see you and welcome you home," Parrington said.
After posing for a few pictures and greeting and thanking everyone graciously, the Worrell family then headed out in a VIP procession home. Patriot Guard and American Legion riders waited in dozens on their motorcycles to clear the way for Worrell and his family.
From Islip to Hampton Bays, the procession passed through several fire departments, many awaiting Worrell's arrival to honor him. Once in Hampton Bays, he was honored at the Hampton Bays Fire Department, where his brother Brandan is a volunteer.
Hampton Bays American Legion Director Richard Steiber coordinated with the airport and the Worrell family to make the welcome a success.
This is the second welcome that Post 924 has done recently. They welcomed a Navy serviceman last week.
Assistant Director John Ryan said, "Our primary goal is to make sure what happened to the troops from Vietnam never happens again."
Worrell's morning ended at the American Legion Post 924 in Hampton Bays where family, friends and community members gathered, elated to have their local hero home this Independence Day.
To see a video of Worrell's homecoming, click here.
