Politics & Government
Huntington Welcomes Home Wounded Marine
James A. Byler was welcomed home by a large crowd of family, friends and well wishers.
First Lt. James Byler of the U.S. Marine Corps was welcomed home at Greenlawn Memorial Park Saturday by a large crowd of his family, friends and residents from all over the Town of Huntington. The Huntington High School graduate was severely injured back in October 2010 while serving in Afghanistan, losing both of his legs.
Byler's parents, Philip and Janet, as well as his brother John, who recently returned home from Iraq, welcomed their son and brother home with honor.
Also helping to welcome James home were Town of Huntington Councilman Mark Mayoka, Radio DJ Mickey B., Pastor Dave Aldridge from Central Presbyterian Church, Mayor Patricia Irving, State Sen. Carl Marcellino, Town of Huntington Councilwoman Glenda A. Jackson, President of Building Homes For Heroes Andy Pujol and other town officials.
The main goal of the welcoming home ceremony was to help raise money to make the Byler house handicapped accessible.
"So far, we have raised $50,000 for the Byler family, and our goal is $300,000," Mayoka said. "As we welcome home James for his service to our country, we have to make sure him and his family are honored and taken care of like the heroes that they are."
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Byler arrived in a limousine and got into a wheelchair that was set up for him by his family. He made his way onto the baseball field, where little league teams were preparing to host three games in his honor.
A color guard was presented by The American Legion of Greenlawn, Post 1244, and Byler stood up from his wheelchair during the singing of the National Anthem. He and his family were presented with a plaque honoring his service, and Byler threw the first pitch to begin the series of games.
To make a donation to help James and his family, please visit this link:
