FLINT -- By Jenna Lyons
Tears fell and hugs were exchanged today as 19-year-old Lance Corporal Kristen Ark made her way through the airport terminal. LCpl Ark had just returned home to her friends and family after serving with the United States Marine Corps in Afghanistan.
Members of Patriot Guard, Care Package Michigan, and veterans waved the American flag in honor of as she greeted her loved ones on American soil for the first time in 8 months.
"It's been long awaited for me. I couldn't wait. The last plane ride I couldn't even sleep. I was all jittery. I kept opening and closing the window. I just wanted to get home," says LCpl Ark.
Her friends and family are proud of her accomplishments and her service to her country, but her absence was very tough at times.
"The days just ran together while she was gone. Having her home is just the best," says LCpl Ark's mother, Laurina Ark.
The mother and daughter utilized Facebook and email to stay in contact during Kristen's 8-month service.
Laurina Ark says the support shown for her daughter and those serving overseas touched her heart, and the timing for her daughter's arrival home is the perfect present for the holiday.
"I'm just overwhelmed. It's the best Mother's Day gift ever, just to have her back home in the United States of America. God bless America," says Laurina Ark.
LCpl Ark plans on enjoying the simple pleasure of being at home and on American soil until she returns to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in 24 days.
"I'm looking forward to some big steak dinners, seeing people I love, but mainly mom's cooking and all the things I haven't had in a while."
L. Cpl Ark has already served nearly 2 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Although her next assignment is not yet known, she says she would gladly serve in Afghanistan again if she is called to duty.
