Iraq vet gets hero's welcome home

Almost a year in Iraq couldn't prepare him for this.

"Oh, my God," U.S. Army Spc. David J. Worrell murmured quietly, flanked by his parents, Matthew and Karen Worrell. "I was not expecting this."

The stunned 20-year-old from Hampton Bays walked into Long Island MacArthur Airport's arrivals terminal Saturday where family, friends and an honor guard of local veterans groups and his former Southampton Fire Department colleagues clutched flags and snapped to attention to welcome him home.

His mother had told the Class of 2009 Westhampton Beach High School graduate only she would be there to meet him, but as with more than 100 previous servicemen and women who have returned to the airport, Islip Town Councilman Gene Parrington and a bevy of vets groups were on hand to salute his service.

"We do it to give them the respect they duly deserve and that their fore-brothers did not receive," said Richard Steiber, director of the American Legion Riders Post 924. "We want to make sure the troops coming home today don't get the kind of treatment many of our guys did after Vietnam."

Worrell deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, last July, then 19. He'd signed up the November of his senior year at age 17. His parents had to sign papers giving permission because of his age.

The decision didn't sit well with two of David's four older siblings, Karen Worrell said, but as parents the Worrells, owners of Hampton Beverage stores in Hampton Bays and Bridgehampton, said they'd always supported each child in their chosen path. David's grandfather fought in World War II and two uncles are Vietnam vets.

"It was a worrisome year, for sure, but that's what he always said he wanted to do," Karen Worrell said. "Of course we hoped it would wear off but it didn't."

David Worrell, whose job in Iraq was personal security detail for his platoon commander, said of his deployment, "It is not as bad as before. I didn't have a very hard time."

Parrington, himself a decorated Vietnam vet, awarded Worrell a citation for his bravery and dedication.

A motorcycle escort, including the Patriot Guard Riders, Red Knights and American Legion Riders, accompanied the family back to the American Legion Hall in Hampton Bays to celebrate the homecoming.

Worrell hopes to train as an Army helicopter pilot next, Karen Worrell said.

Family friend Lucille Buergers of East Quogue, who attended the airport welcome, said she thought it would serve to "punctuate the moment" for Worrell.

"I think it helps him re-enter back into the world and feel what he did had meaning . . . everybody prayed for him and waited for this day."