The Daily Dispatch

FARGO, N.D. — Emotions ran high Wednesday as 28 Reserve Marines based in Wahpeton returned home after a seven month tour in Iraq.

Comments from family and friends included "My stomach hurts," "My heart's racing," and "They always seem to make you wait when it matters the most."

A group of about 60 people welcomed nine Marines on the first of four flights returning them to their loved ones at Hector International Airport in Fargo.

Two Marines from Wahpeton-Breckenridge were among the groups — LCpl. Eric Erickson and Staff Sgt. Geoffrey Zehnacker.

Zehnacker and his wife, Nancy, moved to Breckenridge three years ago when he was stationed at the Armed Forces Reserve Center. During that time, the couple had a baby boy named Hunter. In 2008, Zehnacker was called to Iraq for the third time.

"But this time was different," Nancy said. "I have Hunter."

Zehnacker was deployed the first times in 2004 and 2005, and each one lasted seven months. Nancy said Hunter keeps her busy and helps her keep her sanity. She stayed busy with projects all summer — staining the deck, painting the house and outings with Hunter.

Through an online phone program called Skype, she and Hunter were able to talk with Zehnacker fairly often.

"It was easier and it wasn't," Nancy said of the deployment. "It seems like he just left." Zehancker has been in the Marine Corps full time for 13 years. He and Nancy got married four years ago and he has always been home for Christmas, Nancy said.

This deployment was an additional three months because the Marines first went to Camp Ripley and then on to 29 Palms in California for training. They then deployed in March of 2008.

The Marines, who are attached to the Detachment Military Police Company in Wahpeton, were assigned to a security mission, said Capt. Paul Polanski, executive officer for the Military Police Company. They were stationed at Camp Al Taqaddum in the Al Anbar Providence, which is south of Fallujah. They provided security for logistical convoys carrying equipment, food, water and other supplies.

Zehnacker hugged his wife and child as he and fellow Marines entered the airport to clapping, cheers and the Patriot Guard saluting their return.

"I'm happy to be home. There's really no big difference to me," he said, referring to the fact he'd been deployed twice before.

The Marines will now enjoy 30 days of combat leave and then go back to reserve duty.

to 29 Palms in California for training. They then deployed in March of 2008.

The Marines, who are attached to the Detachment Military Police Company in Wahpeton, were assigned to a security mission, said Capt. Paul Polanski, executive officer for the Military Police Company. They were stationed at Camp Al Taqaddum in the Al Anbar Providence south of Fallujah. They provided security for logistical convoys carrying equipment, food, water and other supplies.

Zehnacker hugged his wife and child as he and other fellow Marines returned to the airport. Well-wishers and the Patriot Guard greeted them with clapping and cheers.

"I'm happy to be home. There's really no big difference to me," he said, referring to the fact he'd been deployed twice before.

The Marines will now enjoy 30 days of combat leave and return to reserve duty.

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