‘It means a lot’: Nonprofit welcomes soldiers home in Myrtle Beach after months after deployment

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) - A Myrtle Beach-area nonprofit made sure those who served our country got a warm welcome home on Saturday.

“I’m trying to not bawl my eyes out,” said Rayni Newman.

It was an emotional return home for Newman, who serves with the Army National Guard.

After being deployed for nine months, Newman and other service members who touched down at the Myrtle Beach International Airport were greeted by some familiar faces and even complete strangers

It was a surprise they never expected.

“It’s awesome, it’s a great feeling to know we’re loved and supported,” said Newman. “I enjoy seeing our Med Command Commander and our First Sergeant.”

“It means a lot,” said Jason Trigiani, South Carolina’s Army National Guard Med Command Commander. “It means a lot to us, it means a lot to the soldiers obviously to show our support and welcome them home. It’s a small group that’s returning, so they’re returning to five to six different airports throughout South Carolina and Georgia. I wish I could be at every airport to greet every one of our soldiers.”

Organizers with the Blue Star Mothers of Coastal Carolina were also present as they warmly welcomed those who served our country through “Operation Welcome Home.”

For some, seeing these reunions was a full-circle moment.

“It’s wonderful to just give them a hug,” said Sharon Russell, one of the organizers. “I’ve got kids that have served and come home and I know what it means. They think people may have forgotten about them, so it’s one way of letting them know that their service is appreciated.”

As for Newman, she says she’s ready to share what she’s learned during her time away.

“It was a great experience, I enjoyed it a lot. I learned a lot about medical, and I can’t wait to bring that knowledge back to the people,” she said.

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