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By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Family and friends are gearing up for the homecoming of some Knoxville Marines later this week. Thirty-four reserve Marines will be returning after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.
"Just grab him and hug him and love him," said Tammy Raegan when asked what she'll do when she sees her son, Marcus Parton, on Friday.
She says she is very excited for him to come home. "Beyond excited. There are no words for it. It's been seven months coming," Raegan said.
Parton's family says they cannot wait to see him and they know he'll be happy to be back.
"He's going to be over the moon excited to be able to come home and sleep in his own bed, have bonfires and just relax," said Tiffany Parton, Marcus' sister.
Marcus's family says they love to show their support with T-shirts, key chains and banners, but they are looking forward to others showing their support on Friday when the marines return.
"I'm just going to sit back and watch him glow and get all of the respect that he and all of the other marines deserve," said Parton.
"We're one proud marine family," Raegan said.
The Marines should return to the Knoxville area anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Knoxville Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center. The public is welcome to attend.
