PHOTO CUTLINE (RELEASED BY NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER WEAPONS DIVISION CHINA LAKE, CALIFORNIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE) ######

More than 60 people gathered at Inyokern Airport, Inyokern, California close to midnight on Friday, September 16, to welcome LCPL Gabriel Gallagher (pictured with mother Lynn) home from a 7-month tour in Iraq. Gallagher, 21, grew up in Ridgecrest and joined the Marine Corps in 2003. The cheering crowd raised flags, flowers, and homemade banners as Gallagher stepped off the plane to greet his wife, Bianca; his son, Jacob, and his 5-month-old daughter, Jasmine, whom he met for the first time. Marine Aviation Detachment Commanding Officer Colonel Mark Bamberger told Gallagher and his wife how much he appreciated his dedication to duty and service. The colonel also spoke with the young Marine's parents, Robert and Lynn Gallagher, thanking them for their son's service. "It's an honor to be here with you to welcome back one of our heroes. We are proud of our young men and women who volunteer to go into harm's to way to protect our freedom and to help others fight for freedom, security, and a better way of life."