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Welcome Home SFC Mark Allen

The community lined Highway 78 from Snellville to Loganville Friday afternoon to welcome home wounded soldier Sgt. 1st Class Mark Allen and this family.

Posted by Sharon Swanepoel (Editor), December 24, 2011 at 01:56 am

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The communities of Snellville and Loganville turned out in force Friday to welcome home a returning hero.

After being away for almost three years receiving treatment at the V.A. Hospital in Tampa, Fla. for a critical war injury, and his family returned to their Loganville home Friday afternoon. A procession, led by law enforcement from Snellville, Loganville and Walton and Gwinnett counties, as well as Patriot Guard and American Legion Riders, traveled up Highway 78 from Snellville to Loganville. Allen grew up in Snellville and the family now live in Loganville.

Volunteers from the Home Depot, the American Legion, Building Homes for Heroes have modified the home to accommodate the needs of the family so they could be home in time for Christmas. Welcome Home Sgt. 1st Class Mark Allen!

Editor's Note: If anyone has photos they took of Sgt. 1st Class Mark Allen's homecoming, please feel free to upload it and add your thanks to this local soldier and his family for their sacrifice.

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Comments + Leave a Comment

Crystal Huskey December 24, 2011 at 01:58 am

Ooooh my goodness. Amazing turnout, Loganville.

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Melissa Collins December 24, 2011 at 03:17 am

I got chills watching this video! I drove west on 78 to Rosebud right before the procession and there were folks waiting all the way down! What a sight! I hope him and his family have a wonderful Christmas!

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Michelle Lynch December 24, 2011 at 04:01 am

Beautiful tribute Sharon. Welcome home SFC Allen. I send you and your family all my best. You are the perfect Christmas gift for our City.

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Kathy December 24, 2011 at 04:54 am

So proud to witness the outpouring of support for SFC Allen and his family by the citizens of Loganville today. It was an honor to be with so many others welcoming them home. I wish only the best for them this Christmas.

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Ben December 24, 2011 at 11:43 am

It was good to see this many people holding Flags, supporting one of our Solders, this is what America is all about, we all need to support this country and pray to GOD, it will return like is was, when I was growing up Born 1942

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Sharon Swanepoel (Editor) December 24, 2011 at 02:23 pm

I was also so proud to see the respect shown to Sgt. Allen and his family by veterans and law enforcement from Walton, Gwinnett, Loganville and Snellville. These are people who have a much deeper understanding of sacrifice. Great job Loganville and Snellville. Merry Christmas to the Allen family and welcome home!

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Tammy Osier December 24, 2011 at 02:59 pm

My thoughts too Sharon. It was a very solemn moment to be sure! Very proud of my town!

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Bobby Howard December 24, 2011 at 04:00 pm

Had the Honor of riding my motorcycle in the Escort for SFC Mark Allen to his home in Loganville, along with the Patriot Guard Riders & Snellville PD among many others. It was a wonderful show of support from our citizens here in Snellville and along the entire route. Today is another reason it is easy to say with PRIDE...... I live in Snellville and even easier to say, I am a PROUD American who lives and enjoys the FREEDOM that SFC Mark Allen and so many others provide for each of us! GOD BLESS AMERICA and all who FIGHT and DIE for that FREEDOM.
Welcome Home Soldier..

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Heather Watson December 24, 2011 at 04:12 pm

Thank you so much Sharon for your respectful reporting on this entire story. I knew Mark growing up in Winter Garden, FL. I was in tears watching as his home town and the other towns around took the time to stand up for one of their own American heroes. They showed him they will stand for him while he heals. I am so proud to be an American and proud of Mark for doing his duty for me and so many others!

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THERESA December 24, 2011 at 05:44 pm

Oh my goodness Sharon..great job on the video. So proud of Loganville for doing this the right way!!

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Jason December 24, 2011 at 07:27 pm

Thanks to all the Firefighters from Loganville Fire and Walton County Fire and Walon EMS for helping block the roadways in helping with this event as well.

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Sharon Swanepoel (Editor) December 24, 2011 at 07:43 pm

Yes, and for providing that beautiful Tribute Arch!

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Sharon Swanepoel (Editor) December 26, 2011 at 03:50 pm

Thank you Kathy for adding those beautiful photographs!

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Rose Taylor December 27, 2011 at 01:58 am

I was in the group of citizens paying tribute to SFC Allen. It was so touching to be there as his motorcade passed by. A very proud moment!

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James Pour December 27, 2011 at 03:44 pm

I was fortunant to have served with mark in Iraq in 05-06. He is an outstanding scout and a hell of a good man. God Bless you Mark and your family
Cpl Pour. E Trp 108 Cav

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GardenMagik ~ Melissa Allman December 29, 2011 at 06:05 pm

Oh i have chills.. Thank you Sharon for posting this! And also, Thank you so much, to James Pour for your service to our wonderful country. And Thank you SFC Allen for your sacrifice and service- You are a True American Hero... Freedom is definitely not Free..

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