It was a sweet homecoming for a Harlingen family Saturday after spending seven months apart from their soldier.
U.S. Marine Cpl.Daniel Gutierrez completed his first tour in Afghanistan. Family and friends welcomed the soldier at Valley International Airport in Harlingen.
It was an especially emotional reunion for Gutierrez and his parents - as soon as his mother saw him coming down the escalator she rushed over in tears to hold her son.
At least 20 of his closest family and friends also greeted the young 23-year-old soldier.
An emotional Gutierrez said the reunion was a long time coming and plans to enjoy his three weeks back in the Valley to the fullest.
"It feels great,” Cpl. Gutierrez said. “It's been six (or) seven months that I’ve missed my family. I wanted to come home - I was waiting for this moment for the past seven months, so I’m happy to be here."
Although the soldier is elated to be home with is loved ones, Gutierrez also held back the tears as he sent out his thoughts and condolences to the families of his fellow fallen soldiers. The soldier also said he hopes the war ends soon.
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