Soldiers Return to Suffolk, but Get Rerouted

At Long Island MacArthur Airport, named in honor of General Douglas MacArthur — one of the most celebrated American military leaders of World War II — it was fitting that two soldiers, Army Sergeant Erica Sweeney and PFC Michael A. Hickey, were expected to return home to Suffolk County from Afghanistan, on a flight landing there Thursday night.

However, their flight was rerouted at the last minute, and scheduled to land instead at LaGuardia Airport.

Islip Deputy Supervisor  spearheaded the Town of Islip's "Hometown Hero" Welcome Program at Long Island MacArthur Airport, and partnered with the Patriot Guard Riders and Blue Star Mothers of Long Island to provide a very special welcome for the local American patriots.

"I'm a Vietnam veteran; they never got a welcoming back," said Parrington. "There were no parades, nothing; so, I always said if I had a chance to do something for the returning vets I would do it. I'm the liaison to the airport and the liaison to the veterans so, it's a natural fit."

Since March 2009, the Town has organized "Welcome Home" festivities at the airport for close to 100 combat veterans hailing from Long Island.

Parrington, a decorated Vietnam-era Marine, was on hand to greet Sweeney, 22, of Ronkonkoma — granddaughter of Suffolk VFW Commander John Mauro, who was also there — along Hickey, 20, of East Islip.  Both soldiers will be celebrating birthdays while on leave.

Parents, family members, neighbors, members of church groups, the Patriot Guard Riders and others were eagerly anticipating the arrival of Sweeney and Hickey, but their hopes were dashed by an unexpected turn of events.

"The whole group was waiting here.  These people are waiting all the time for our heroes who come home," said Parrington.

While Mauro was disappointed at not getting to see his granddaughter right away, he remained grateful for the large turnout. 

"This is a great program, and I can't speak enough about how hard they work.  We try to get the word out to other organizations," he said. "It's an acknowledgement to them that we live in a world in two wars now.  Most people don't even pay attention when these young men and women come home; they deserve some recognition."

He was headed to LaGuardia because, "that's what grandparents do."

Mauro's determination to welcome his granddaughter back with open arms, as she returned from her second tour of duty in Afghanistan, brought to mind the quote made famous by MacArthur: "We are not retreating — we are advancing in another direction."

If you know of a returning veteran who would benefit from a "Hometown Hero's Welcome", or you would like to be added to the list of those invited to greet at such events, contact Councilman Parrington's office at (631) 589-0234 or the Islip Veterans Service Organization at (631) 224-VETS.