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Families Welcome Returning MacDill Unit

News Channel 8 photo by Eric Hausmann

Raymond Thornton(left) greets his 14-month-old daughter, Kennedy Thornton, and his wife, Ranata, at Tampa International Airport after returning from his deployment in Afghanistan.

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 12, 2009

Tampa International Airport was the scene of a warm homecoming this morning, as military personnel sent overseas seven months ago returned home to emotional wives and some infants and toddlers who weren't sure who they were.

"She was 7 months when I left, now she's 15 months," said Raymond Thornton who was getting reacquainted with his daughter, Kennedy. "She doesn't quite know who I am."

His wife, Ranata held Kennedy.

"Welcome home," she said to her husband.

"Thank you," he replied, gazing into his daughter's eyes.

Greeters held signs welcoming home the Joint Communications Support Element – based at MacDill Air Force Base - and relatives gathered to welcome and hug the returning service members.

Another serviceman said it felt great to be home.

"My daughter recognized me," said Daniel Drennon, who spent the past seven months in Afghanistan. "My son doesn't seem to."

His daughter, Hailey, held a sign. His son, Gabriel, nestled into the arms of his mother, Yolanda.

"I'm excited," Yolanda Drennon said. "I'm very happy. I'm glad he's home."

It was Drennon's first deployment.

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