Watch CBS News

Delco-Based US Marine Battalion Returns Home From Afghanistan

By Steve Tawa

FOLSOM, Pa. (CBS) -- About two dozen local members of the US Marine Forces Reserve got a big welcome home today from their families and friends at the Marines Recruiting Center in Folsom (Delaware County).

Members of the 6th Engineer Support Battalion spent more than five months in Afghanistan.

Staff sergeant Brian Dunkle of Folcroft (photo), a Springfield High School graduate, just wrapped up a fourth tour of duty leading his team.

"Ultimately, my job is to run the missions and make sure they were properly conducted," he told KYW Newsradio today.  "If it's a construction project, I put a couple of leaders in charge but I make sure it gets done, and done to standard."

And, he doesn't mind saying, he brought everyone home.

"Absolutely -- that's the number one priority."

His girlfriend, Katie Thompson, was there for the homecoming.

"It's a little overwhelming, and it's filled with tons of emotions," she said today.

Mike Thompson, a family friend of the reservist, says Folcroft welcomed Dunkle back, too.

"They're going to have two fire engines with draped flags at his house, and the Folcroft Police Department is here right now and it has two cars to escort him home," Thompson noted.

Dunkle is training to be a police officer.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.