Politics & Government

UPDATE: Public Invited to 'Hometown Hero Welcome' for Medford Resident

U.S. Army Private Christopher Dorn will land at MacArthur Airport.

UPDATE: Christopher Dorn's flight into MacArthur was moved up to a 3:48pm arrival. He was greeted by family and friends at the airport. Patch will have a full story coming soon.

 

A Medford man returning home for a brief leave from serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan will have the red carpet rolled out for him at Long Island MacArthur Airport Friday night. 

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Private Christopher Dorn, a 2008 graduate of St. Anthony's High School, is expected to land at the Islip airport at 10:01 p.m. Friday. The public is invited to attend the “Hometown Hero” , a program spearheaded in 2009 by Islip Deputy Supervisor , a decorated Vietnam-era Marine.

Here's the full press release from airport officials:

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‘Choir Boy’ Turned U.S. Cavalry Scout Returns from Afghanistan

To Hometown Hero Welcome at MacArthur Airport

Ronkonkoma, NY (9/30/11) –The Town of Islip airport liaison Councilman Gene Parrington and Long Island MacArthur Airport will roll out the red carpet for a Long Island resident returning home from deployment in Afghanistan. US Army Private Christopher Dorn is returning for a brief leave from his role as a Cavalry Scout with the 10th Mountain Division.  A 2008 Saint Anthony High School graduate, Dorn sang the baritone part with the school Gregorian chant choir, which performed at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.  He will be returning home on Friday, September 30th on the last flight of the night to family, friends and a growing number of community groups who show up regularly for Hometown Hero welcomes at MacArthur Airport.  Private Dorn is the son of Medford residents Donna and Thomas Melchiona, and has three brothers.  He has been stationed in Afghanistan since May 2011 and will return there to complete his tour of duty following his leave.  

WHO:

·        U.S. Army Private Christopher Dorn, Cavalry Scout/10th Mountain Division

·        Family and friends of Private Dorn, along with a grateful community.

·        Islip Town Councilman Gene Parrington, decorated Vietnam-era veteran, and Town Board liaison for the Hometown Heroes Welcome Program

·        Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, AmVets organization, Marine Corps League, U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club, Patriot Guard Riders, Blue Star Mothers, Fraternal Order of Police, and various churches and scout groups.

WHAT: A Hometown Hero’s Welcome for Army Private Chris Dorn upon his return home.   Following a ceremony and presentation by Councilman Parrington of a special citation, Private Dorn and his family will be escorted to their Medford home by members of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club and the Patriot Guard Riders.

WHEN: Private Dorn arriving from Philadelphia on US Airways scheduled for 10:01 p.m.  Friday, September 30.  All participants, including the press are advised to be inside the terminal at least a half hour before arrival.  This flight sometimes arrives as early as 9:50 p.m.

WHERE: Inside the Long Island MacArthur Airport terminal, 100 Arrival Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY at the West checkpoint in the area located between Baggage Claim and Ticketing.

 


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