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Battalion that lost 48 members returns to cheers
SPECIAL REPORT
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• Timeline: Bloodiest days for civilians
BROOK PARK, Ohio (AP) -- A Marine Corps battalion that lost 48 members in Iraq arrived home Thursday to cheers and a parade attended by thousands of people. Crowds lined the one-mile parade route from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to welcome back the 160 members of the Headquarters & Service Company of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. The route led to a recreation center where the Marines could enjoy private reunions with friends and family. "I'm really excited to see him," said Melissa Schlabach, 25, who brought her 21/2-year old son, Josh, to welcome home her brother, Cpl. Brent Monastra, 23, of Canton. "Growing up with him you don't realize what you have until he's not around." The Marines' fallen comrades were on their minds as they returned. "It's really sad. I lost a lot of good friends," said Lance Cpl. Jason Woodliff, 23, of Massillon, who served in Iraq with his brother Johel Woodliff, 20. Lance Cpl. Nick Kehl, 23, of Berea, said the deaths made the homecoming difficult. "It's really hard losing guys," he said. The battalion commander, Col. Lionel B. Urquhart, thanked family members during a brief ceremony, saying their support was vital to the Marines while they served overseas. "We couldn't have done it without you," he said. "You lifted our spirits when our spirits needed to be lifted." The battalion's 48 deaths included 14 Marines killed in back-to-back attacks within a week during the summer. Another 150 unit members were wounded. The battalion has about 900 members. 
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