Family, friends welcome marine home

A local Marine returned home last Wednesday from a tour of duty in Iraq to the loving arms of his family and friends at a welcome home celebration held in his honor Saturday.
Cpl. James R. Scott of Lebanon, member of the 38 Weapons Company, arrived in town from his most recent tour of duty in Ramadi to be greeted by a visit from several of his relatives that came down from Illinois.
"I'm just glad to be home," Scott said. "It's overwhelming."
Scott's mother, Laurie Vinson, was very emotional about her son's return to the United States. She noted that his recent duties had been rough and was "glad to have him back in one piece."
During his last stay in Ramadi, Scott was one of the men responsible for guarding a government official, Vinson said.
He and some of his fellow troops experienced roadside bombings as well.
"He got blown out of his vehicle by an IED (improvised explosive device)," Vinson said. After this incident, Scott was given a Purple Heart.
The family got together and created an inviting atmosphere for the festivities. There was plenty of food to be had as well as the opportunity for karaoke fun.
"We also got 100 pounds of fireworks," Vinson said.
"We've been looking forward to this for four months," Scott's aunt Mary Lou Manzo said of the homecoming. Manzo and her family made the trip down from Illinois to take part in the reunion.
Scott returned from his 7-month tour to the welcome sight of his family members, but he is not home for good just yet. He still has one more deployment.
"I'll be home until the 13th of November," Scott said.
He will then return to base for some training before being sent out on his final deployment.
"He won't be deployed for several months because he has to go through the training first," Manzo said.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.