Area soldiers back after tour in Iraq

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Staff Sgt. John Benford of Rockwood holds his stepdaughter, Sydnee Stutzman, after arriving at the Johnstown airport Tuesday. John Rucosky

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December 22, 2009

By FRANK SOJAK The Tribune-Democrat Tue Dec 22, 2009, 11:15 PM EST

JOHNSTOWN — Fourteen area soldiers received a hero’s welcome Tuesday evening when they arrived home after serving a tour of duty in Iraq.

The soldiers with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 104th Aviation, Attack Reconnaissance Battalion were welcomed by family and friends and fellow soldiers at a military facility at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport.

The bus carrying the soldiers was escorted by Richland Township police and firefighters.

“I’m excited,” Monica Palko of Nanty Glo said about getting to see her husband, Johnathan Palko, before the bus arrived.

“We got married on the Fourth of July while he was on a two-week leave,” she said. “He had to return to Iraq to finish his tour.

“I’m glad that he’s making it home for the holidays so that we can spend our first Christmas together as husband and wife.”

Palko, who was surround by family members, said she was proud of her husband and all the soldiers.

Guardsman Nick Saylor of Boswell was at the event along with family members of Brandon Metroka of Windber to welcome Metroka home.

Saylor, who served two tours in Iraq, including one with Metroka in 2005 and 2006, said all the soldiers are doing a fine job of serving our country.

Deb Karmanocky of Johnstown said she was there with her family to welcome home her son, Jason Rex, of Johnstown.

“We’re so glad to have him,” she said. “This is our best Christmas present ever.”

Emily Rex, Jason’s wife of five months, said she is proud of all of the soldiers.

“They sacrificed so much to be there (Iraq) and we missed them like crazy,” she said.

She said having her husband back home was the best Christmas present ever.

Roberta Harvey of Strongstown and her family were there to welcome home her husband, Staff Sgt. Jim Harvey.

“I’m so proud of my husband and all the soldiers,” she said.

Retired Marine Lt. Col. John Hugya and his wife, Karen, whose daughter, Brianna, serves with the 104th and returned last week, wanted to be there to welcome home another group of soldiers.

“They have all done a superb job,” John Hugya said. “The American people should appreciate what they are doing for the American flag and our country.”

Staff Sgt. Clyde Pletcher of Somerset, who was greeted by his wife, Frances, daughter, Natasha, and other family members, said it was great to be home.

Staff Sgt. John Benford of Rockwood, who was greeted by his wife, Heidi, and stepdaughter, Sydnee Stutzman, 8, said it feels nice to be home and with the holidays, it’s that much nicer to be home.

Staff Sgt. Jason Zahurak of Johnstown said it was great to be home.

“It’s unbelievable coming home just in time for the holidays and getting to spend time with family and friends,” he said.

The support from the community with the police and firefighter escort meant much, he said.

Lt. Col. John Kovac, commander of the 104th, said all the soldiers returned home safely.

“They did a great job,” he said. “I’m proud of my soldiers.”

Another 14 soldiers from the battalion are due home next month and about 50 returned last week, he said.

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