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On Jan. 7, 2012, Staff Sgt. Mark Masters landed back in the United States after serving one year in Afghanistan.
On Monday, more than 100 friends and family members welcomed the Marine and native East Peorian with a reception at the Stoney Creek Inn.
“(The turnout) is amazing,” Masters said at the conclusion of the event. “You don’t really appreciate how everyone views you ‘til you come and see it. It’s humbling.”
Masters’ wife, Kristina, who did the majority of the planning for the event, started the ceremony with a slideshow, displaying photos from Masters’ time in Afghanistan. However, the event was more than just a homecoming celebration for Masters.
He came to the hotel bearing sentimental gifts for some of those who supported him during his time overseas.
During his rest and relaxation visit home in May, he marched with the Stoney Creek Inn’s float in Peoria’s Louie Louie parade.
At the conclusion of the parade, he asked if he could take one of the two flags hitched to the float to fly over Afghanistan.
Jim Thompson, owner of the hotel, said he was honored by the request.
“For those that don’t have to experience going overseas, it’s hard to understand what home means for them,” he said. “In some small way, (giving him the flag) helped solidify that connection for him.”
Masters not only took the flag back to Afghanistan with him, but flew it on a memorable day in U.S. history.
On the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in 2011, the flag that Thompson gave Masters was raised in Afghanistan. And on Monday, the same flag returned home.
Thompson and Steve Reed, general manager of the Stoney Creek Inn, were both presented with gifts of gratitude from Masters at the end of the ceremony.
Reed was given a framed photograph of Masters and his company with the raised flag on Sept. 11, 2011, while Thompson was given the flag, photos of Masters in Afghanistan and medals that Masters received in a framed wall-hanging.
Thompson said the gift and gesture left him close to speechless.
“(I’m) overwhelmed and feel honored when the real service and sacrifice is given by these men,” he said. “I’m pleased to be a part of it and that our small support meant something to these folks.”
Despite having lots of wall space in his hotel, Thompson said he has not decided where he will display his newest wall-hanging.
“I have to find the right spot for this unbelievable honor,” he said. “It’ll find its way somewhere close to my heart.”
On Jan. 7, 2012, Staff Sgt. Mark Masters landed back in the United States after serving one year in Afghanistan.
On Monday, more than 100 friends and family members welcomed the Marine and native East Peorian with a reception at the Stoney Creek Inn.
“(The turnout) is amazing,” Masters said at the conclusion of the event. “You don’t really appreciate how everyone views you ‘til you come and see it. It’s humbling.”
Masters’ wife, Kristina, who did the majority of the planning for the event, started the ceremony with a slideshow, displaying photos from Masters’ time in Afghanistan. However, the event was more than just a homecoming celebration for Masters.
He came to the hotel bearing sentimental gifts for some of those who supported him during his time overseas.
During his rest and relaxation visit home in May, he marched with the Stoney Creek Inn’s float in Peoria’s Louie Louie parade.
At the conclusion of the parade, he asked if he could take one of the two flags hitched to the float to fly over Afghanistan.
Jim Thompson, owner of the hotel, said he was honored by the request.
“For those that don’t have to experience going overseas, it’s hard to understand what home means for them,” he said. “In some small way, (giving him the flag) helped solidify that connection for him.”
Masters not only took the flag back to Afghanistan with him, but flew it on a memorable day in U.S. history.
On the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in 2011, the flag that Thompson gave Masters was raised in Afghanistan. And on Monday, the same flag returned home.
Thompson and Steve Reed, general manager of the Stoney Creek Inn, were both presented with gifts of gratitude from Masters at the end of the ceremony.
Reed was given a framed photograph of Masters and his company with the raised flag on Sept. 11, 2011, while Thompson was given the flag, photos of Masters in Afghanistan and medals that Masters received in a framed wall-hanging.
Thompson said the gift and gesture left him close to speechless.
“(I’m) overwhelmed and feel honored when the real service and sacrifice is given by these men,” he said. “I’m pleased to be a part of it and that our small support meant something to these folks.”
Despite having lots of wall space in his hotel, Thompson said he has not decided where he will display his newest wall-hanging.
“I have to find the right spot for this unbelievable honor,” he said. “It’ll find its way somewhere close to my heart.”
