MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- A Marine stationed with Maintenance Center Albany returned home to a hero’s welcome, Wednesday, in front of Marine Corps Logistics Command Headquarters.
After a six-month deployment to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Lance Cpl. Michael Canter, a machinist at MCA, returned to Albany to a large group of Marines waiting for him.
“It’s amazing,” Canter said when he first saw his fellow Marines standing on the steps of the headquarters building waiting for his arrival.
“I didn’t expect this big of a reception. I am shocked. I wasn’t expecting this,” he said with a wide smile on his face.
During his deployment to Afghanistan, Canter worked as a machinist repairing vehicles sent back into service for the war effort. He also served as personal security to the commanding officer of his unit.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Bessie Reggans, staff noncommisioned officer, MCA, said that getting back her Marine safely is the best thing she could wish for as a Marine.
Reggans referred to Canter as being “like my child.”
She said she was instrumental in Canter’s role in heading to the war in Afghanistan. It was her reccomendation and her guidance that led him there.
“As all Marines do, we want to be a part of the fight.” Reggans said. “The past commandant said every Marine to the fight, so he (Canter) didn’t have an opportunity yet, and this was his part of the fight.
As Marines, we are one team, one fight. We are always faithful to each other.”
After spending six months in Afghanistan, including weeks of training beforehand, Canter is looking forward to taking some leave and heading home to Indiana after the new year.
“I have a 3-year-old brother, and this will only be the second time seeing him,” Canter said.
Canter said the unit he served with was a tight-knit group he would be happy to serve with again.
“It was an honor to serve over there. I would be proud to go back,” he said.