Local Marine returns home from active duty in Iraq
by MCL staff writer

Lucas A. Davis, a 2005 graduate of Miller County High School

Twenty-eight local Marines arrived home safe and sound on Wednesday. The platoon of Marines just completed a tour of duty in Iraq. Among those arriving home was Lucas A. Davis of Colquitt.

The platoon has been in the Al Anbar province of Iraq since September.

The group is made up of men from all over the Big Bend, and they say it's sure good to be home.

The 3rd platoon, Anti-Terrorism Battalion was led into town by a police escort. As the bus pulled up and Marines stepped out, the anxiously awaiting crowd of friends and family erupted into applause.

"God Bless the fresh air," said Andrew Graham, a lance corporal who just arrived home. "I love the United States."

The Marines were met with a sea of hugs and kisses, majestically waving flags, and a lot of mothers grateful their prayers were answered.

"Words just can't even describe what it's like to see them walk off that bus, knowing they're alive, they're safe, they're well," said one mother whose son was aboard the bus home.

"It's a great feeling to be home," another corporal stated with the battalion. "It's a great feeling, I think, for all of us to serve our country."

The Marines were part of an anti-terrorism battalion based out of Jacksonville, North Carolina. They were in charge of convoy escorts, security missions, and detaining prisoners.

"There is that aspect of it where people get hurt, but that's part of the job that we're doing to get that country where it needs to be," another one said.

"I volunteered to go there," another commented. "Our presence had a big contribution to the people over there."

The platoon will report back in the fall for more drills.

Lucas was greeted in Tallahassee by his wife, Danyelle Guy Davis. He was then greeted by his brother Lance, as they entered into Bainbridge. He then went on to his residence in Donalsonville where he received a police escort at the Seminole County line. As he arrived at his residence, he was greeted by numerous members of his family.

The family would like to thank all those who have prayed for his safe return. When Lucas asked how it felt to be home, he said, "Wow, it's so green around here." That just shows you the little things we all take for granted in this great nation that we live in.

Lucas is the son of Gary Davis of Bainbridge and Lisa Davis of Colquitt and the grandson of Fannie Cowart of Colquitt, He is a 2005 graduate of Miller County High School.