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Military Service Rendered

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 13, 2009

TAMPA - Tampa International Airport was the scene of a warm homecoming Thursday morning as military personnel deployed overseas seven months ago returned to emotional spouses and some infants and toddlers who weren't sure whom they were greeting.

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

His wife, Ranata, held Kennedy.

"Welcome home," she told her husband.

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

Greeters held signs welcoming the Joint Communications Support Element, based at MacDill Air Force Base, and relatives gathered for hugs.

"My daughter recognized me," said Daniel Drennon, returning from his first deployment. "My son doesn't seem to."

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

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

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