GOV. MALLOY, LT. GOV. WYMAN WELCOME MARINES

HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN

Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman issued the following statement welcoming Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines unit home late Thursday from Afghanistan, where they had been deployed since August:

"On behalf of the entire State of Connecticut, we welcome these brave Marines home and thank them for their extraordinary service to the state and the nation. They have our deepest appreciation for their courageous efforts, which unfortunately included sustaining serious injury in battle for Cpl. Greg Caron, of Ellington. These service members and their families have demonstrated tremendous commitment and sacrifice, and will have our absolute support as they resume the lives they left to defend our great country. Our thoughts and prayers are with our troops who continue to serve overseas and we hope for their swift and safe return home."

The Marines, based in Plainville, returned to the U.S. about three months early due to the troop drawdown ordered by President Obama. Cpl. Caron sustained serious injuries to both of his legs from a roadside bomb in November, and traveled from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland to help greet his fellow troops arriving at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Mass.