|
|
 |
Saturday
March 13, 2010 Since 1922 |
After third tour in Iraq, soldier gets big welcome
By Shannon Daughtry
The Baytown Sun Published February 9, 2010 Dressed in his army fatigues, Sgt. C.J. Banes looks as though he was born to be in the U.S. Army, and in a way he was.
Banes enlisted after he graduated from Capitan Shreve High School in Shreveport, La., and went on his first tour of duty when he was just 18.
Today, at the age of 24, Banes is a veteran of three tours of duty in war-torn Iraq. Sunday, his family welcomed him home with open arms and a yard sign as big as the pride swelling in their chests.
The Bush Road neighbors of Dane and Susan Listi knew about the homecoming before Banes arrived. By Saturday, the sign that is big enough for passing cars to read was erected in the Listis’ yard. Decorated in red, white and blue, it said: “Welcome Back From Iraq Son,” along with notations of “Third Tour” in both of the bottom corners.
Phyllis Hearns, Banes’ grandmother, said the family wanted to do something really special when C.J. came home this time.
“This was the first time we have done something like this,” she said. “But he finished his third tour — and that’s really something … something to be really proud of.”
Monday, drivers honked and waved as the army sergeant and his family looked at the sign that honors the military commitment made by an exceptional young man.
Bane just shrugs off the fanfare with humility not uncommon for those who have chosen to defend freedom.
He said he had always wanted to join the Army, even as a young man. His decision was greatly influenced by the careers of his father and grandfather, who both served in the military.
Susan Listi, Banes’ mom and biggest supporter, said it was no surprise when her son told her he wanted to enlist in the Army.
Listi, who had been an army wife to Banes’ father for 15 years before he retired, said she is proud of her son and supports the commitment he has made to his country. But she said she does worry about him when he is gone.
“I have to work and keep extra busy when he’s over there,” Listi said. “It’s what keeps me sane.”
Banes, currently taking a month off from his military duties, said he was excited and looking forward to spending some time at home with his family, but he’ll miss his army friends.
“You make a lot of friends and they really become your family when you are forced to live with them how we are,” he said.
Banes said he looks forward to continue serving his country, no matter where his next assignment is.
“I like my job,” he said. “I like what I do and I get a lot of support from my family, which is truly great.”
The Baytown Sun Published February 9, 2010 Dressed in his army fatigues, Sgt. C.J. Banes looks as though he was born to be in the U.S. Army, and in a way he was.
Banes enlisted after he graduated from Capitan Shreve High School in Shreveport, La., and went on his first tour of duty when he was just 18.
Today, at the age of 24, Banes is a veteran of three tours of duty in war-torn Iraq. Sunday, his family welcomed him home with open arms and a yard sign as big as the pride swelling in their chests.
The Bush Road neighbors of Dane and Susan Listi knew about the homecoming before Banes arrived. By Saturday, the sign that is big enough for passing cars to read was erected in the Listis’ yard. Decorated in red, white and blue, it said: “Welcome Back From Iraq Son,” along with notations of “Third Tour” in both of the bottom corners.
Phyllis Hearns, Banes’ grandmother, said the family wanted to do something really special when C.J. came home this time.
“This was the first time we have done something like this,” she said. “But he finished his third tour — and that’s really something … something to be really proud of.”
Monday, drivers honked and waved as the army sergeant and his family looked at the sign that honors the military commitment made by an exceptional young man.
Bane just shrugs off the fanfare with humility not uncommon for those who have chosen to defend freedom.
He said he had always wanted to join the Army, even as a young man. His decision was greatly influenced by the careers of his father and grandfather, who both served in the military.
Susan Listi, Banes’ mom and biggest supporter, said it was no surprise when her son told her he wanted to enlist in the Army.
Listi, who had been an army wife to Banes’ father for 15 years before he retired, said she is proud of her son and supports the commitment he has made to his country. But she said she does worry about him when he is gone.
“I have to work and keep extra busy when he’s over there,” Listi said. “It’s what keeps me sane.”
Banes, currently taking a month off from his military duties, said he was excited and looking forward to spending some time at home with his family, but he’ll miss his army friends.
“You make a lot of friends and they really become your family when you are forced to live with them how we are,” he said.
Banes said he looks forward to continue serving his country, no matter where his next assignment is.
“I like my job,” he said. “I like what I do and I get a lot of support from my family, which is truly great.”