Marines get warm welcome on snowy day

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The chilly weather had no power whatsoever over a heartwarming homecoming in Buffalo on Wednesday. Marines returned home to the embrace of their loved ones after a long tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Sara Freundschuh said, "I'm excited my two sons are coming home."

Freundschuh had just enough time to get her signs up when the motorcade arrived. 115 Marine reservists from India Company's Third Battalion were led by police representing 10 different local departments. They had been in Afghanistan since last September assisting with security for the new government. The snowstorm couldn't stop this heroes welcome.

Lance Corporal Michael Freundschuh said, "It was overwhelming, it was awesome! Actually [the weather's] amazing because I really wanted to go snowboarding when I got home and it was really warm everywhere else we were, so it was awesome to come home to this."

Corporal Peter Freundschuh said, "[I missed] my family the most. I had a daughter while I was over there, so I just met her for for the first time this morning."

"It was tough being away from family, definitely missed all the good food," added Lance Corporal Cody McNally.

His mom, Michelle, said, "Very thankful they all made it home. We're so proud of them, you know it's hard for a mother when their child is gone."

But this unit comes home without one. 21-year-old Lance Corporal Aarron Swanson of Lakewood was killed in Afghanistan last month.

Lance Corporal Jonathan Fraschetti said, "He was in my squad. He was a good friend of mine."

"He's greatly missed by all of us obviously," added Lance Corporal Freundschuh.

Joe Shiah of the NY Patriot Guard Riders said, "Whether you agree with it, or whether you like it or not, these young men and women are over there sacrificing their time away from their families, their very lives, and we as Americans are responsible for remembering and honoring that sacrifice."

For some of these Marine Reservists, this was their second or third deployment. Most of them can now settle back into their regular jobs in western New York.