'I just couldn't be prouder'

Image courtesy: Staff Sgt. Melanie Trollinger

For over a year, Lt. Col. Dwayne Jarriel, pictured speaking to troops as his 779th Engineer Battalion assumed responsibility for northern Iraqi engineering operations in October, was completely focused on rebuilding a war-torn nation. Now that his mission is complete, he is being rewarded with something that no medal could ever replace. He's getting gigantic hugs from his two young daughters, Morghan and Mackenna.

The Tallahassee Democrat covered the 779th's emotional return home to Florida on Tuesday. After hugging and kissing his smiling daughters, Lt. Col. Jarriel reflected on the wonderful feeling of helping the Iraqi people rebuild after seven years of war.

"We were able to do a lot of engineering work in Iraq," he said. "I just couldn't be prouder."

Staff writer Amanda Nalley also spoke to Staff Sgt. Lance Hines as his 14-year-old daughter clutched him tightly.

"I can't describe what I'm going through right now," Staff Sgt. Hines said, all smiles and hugs. "I'm glad to be home."

As WCTV-TV reports below, approximately 150 soldiers will get a chance to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend with their families and friends. Boy, did they ever earn it. Congratulations to the 779th Engineer Battalion on a job well done. You couldn't have made your country any prouder.