A hero’s welcome

Photo courtesy of Jessica Blackstone
    WELCOME BACK! – U.S. Army Sergeant Derek White (formerly of Easton) set foot on American Soil in Bangor Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. after his second tour in Iraq. Derek is stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state. Twenty-four of his family members made the trek to Bangor (some from Easton, Washburn and some from Derry, N.H.) to visit with Derek before he continued on his journey home to be with his wife, Ebony. The family was able to meet and greet 291 troops that were on the airplane along with Derek. It was a memorable experience to be a part of the infamous Maine Troop Greeters. The group spent about 45 minutes with Derek before he boarded the plane to Fort Lewis. Derek’s journey home brought him from Iraq to Kuwait to Germany to Bangor, then on to Fort Lewis where the troops were going to be greeted with a reception. Pictured, from left, front row: Sheldon Grass (uncle), Linda Grass (aunt), Rory Grass, Carly Grass (cousin), Katelyn White (cousin), Shelly Grass (cousin) and Anna Wilson (niece). Middle row: Amy Wilson (sister) with daughter Catie (niece),  Jessica Blackstone and Judy Clark. Back row: Llewellyn White (grandfather), Avis White  (grandmother), Ruth White (step-mom) with granddaughter Allie White (niece), Mariah Neece, Brian White (brother), Stewart White (father), U.S. Army Sergeant Derek White, Mary Ellen Bell (aunt), Jeremy Wilson (brother-in-law), Tisha Hafford (mother), Barb Blackstone, Bruce White (uncle) and Elaine White (aunt).