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An honor to serve, a delight to return
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Maria Zinner, Kaden (8 mths) Brandon (23) Madison (2) and Candice (22) Zinner. Staff Sgt. Rudy Santibanez Sr of Toledo returns home from his 3rd tour in Iraq, Saturday January 10, 2009
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Staff Sgt. Rudy Santibanez Sr of Toledo holds his new granddaughter Aliviah (1 mth) as he stands next to his son Rudy Jr. and Rudy Sr's wife Joyce. Rudy Sr. just returned home from his 3rd tour in Iraq
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Staff Sgt. Rudy Santibanez Sr of Toledo returns home from his 3rd tour in Iraq, Saturday January 10, 2009
The Youngstown-based soldiers received a warm welcome Saturday after a tour of duty in Iraq.
By JON MOFFETT
Vindicator Staff Writer
AUSTINTOWN — Hundreds of people endured Saturday’s snowy weather to welcome home 50 of America’s finest.
Soldiers in the 583rd Military Police Detachment arrived at the Crossroads Church on Meridian Road to handmade posters and waving flags. The unit, based out of Youngstown, returned home after a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq. A police escort led two buses through the snow and slush to the cheering crowd.
“We’ve been through this many times, but it’s always good when he’s home,” said Joyce Santibanez. Her husband, Rudy Sr., returned home from his third tour of duty.
While in Iraq, Rudy received two Purple Hearts for his service. When he returned to Ohio, he received another honor.
Waiting for Rudy were Joyce, his son, Rudy Jr., daughter-in-law, Jessica, and his 1-month-old granddaughter Aliviah. It was the first time Rudy, 54, had seen the child.
“It’s always exciting to come home to somebody new and special,” he said. “This is my third grandchild, and it seems like every time I get deployed I come home and there’s always a new one waiting for me.”
The Toledo family looked on as Rudy cradled Aliviah in his arms. Though he was proud of his newly expanded family, the Santibanez family was just as proud of him.
“As a kid, it was always nice looking up to him,” said Rudy Jr. “He has always been a good role model to me.”
Being a role model is nothing new to Rudy, who Joyce said has been in the military since he was 17. Rudy said as an older soldier, he is used to leading by example.
“As old as I am, I’m old enough to be their dad,” he said. “A lot of them look up to me and know I have a lot of combat experience ... I’ve been out there and I know what it’s like.”
While Rudy Jr. was grateful to see his father return, other families celebrated the return of their children.
Maria Zinner, 44, of Eastlake awaited the return of her only child, Brandon.
“I’m incredibly proud of him,” she said. “He’s the best thing to ever happen in my life.”
Brandon, 23, was greeted by his mother, his wife, Candice, and two children, Madison and Kaden. It was the second time Brandon had seen Kaden. The first was when Brandon returned home on two-week leave in September.
“It’s great,” Brandon said of seeing his son. “This time it’ll be a lot longer than two weeks. He’s a lot bigger now, but it’s great to see him.”
Though the unit is based out of Youngstown, soldiers come from all parts of the state. Sgt. Aaron Dennis of Columbus was greeted by his father, Fred; mother, Shirley; and wife, Gretchen.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Fred. “I’d like to see all of the soldiers be able to come home.”
Fred, holding back tears brought on by his son’s arrival, expressed his pride in his son, as well as all soldiers.
“We have our problems in this country, but it’s the best damn country there is.”
jmoffett@vindy.com