Ride Repore posted for Irish Tom
AFTER SEVERAL DELAYS, MAG 26 COMMAND STAFF Arrived back at New River MCAS North Carolina.

I arrived at LZ Cherry Point at 1630hrs, Feb. 01; only to be informed that weather in Germany delayed MAG 26 CS scheduled departure time several hours.

Arrival time at Cherry Point changed from 1900hrs, to 2330 hrs, revised to 2350hrs, revised to (between) 0100hrs and 0200hrs, 02/02/10. I secured a room at the Days Inn in Jacksonville, and BC kept me informed to any and all changes throughout the night. At 2200 hrs, Robin Schoolfield suggested to me, that I should go to MAG 26 Headquarters Building at New River MCAS, and wait there with the families and MAG 26 personnel. After midnight I went to New River MCAS, and obtained a vehicle pass for February 02. I spent several hours visiting with MAG 26 Personnel, and the families of the Marines retuning home. Col. James S. O’Meara and the rest of MAG 26 Command Staff, were officially welcomed home by family, friends, MAG 26 personnel, and WWR at 0345hrs, 02/02/10.

The XO (LtCol Frank Crisafulli) facilitated the introduction of Col O’Meara and myself. I presented Col O’Meara with a folded flag, and a heartfelt welcome home for him and his Marines on behalf of WWR and myself. Given the hour, I said goodbye and quietly left.

Thom Maloney (aka Irish Thom)