home at last: Darion Wilkins of Happy Valley arrives at the Redding Airport to see his mother Beckie Harris. She received the first hug from her son in over six months. Approximately 50 friends and family members were on hand to welcome home Wilkins from his tour in Iraq.
Darion Wilkins, 19, of Happy Valley returned from his first tour in Iraq approximately two weeks ago to his current base in Ft. Bragg, N.C.
He returned home for the first time since he left for the Army, two days after graduating from West Valley High School in 2009.
Wilkins went through basic training and then into infantry after his body gave out on the last day of Army Rangers Training.
Wilkins then met up with his platoon and spent six months at an unnamed military base quickly nicknamed Camp Cupcake by those stationed there. Wilkins is a member of the 82nd Airborne.
Upon his return home to Happy Valley, Wilkins and his family plan to spend quality time together going to his brother Devaughn's football games and having a barbecue to spend time with friends. Darion will be home for approximately 20 days before returning to base.
Darion played football for four years for West Valley. He is the son of Beckie Harris of Happy Valley and the brother of Solan and Devaughn Wilkins.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 1
Anderson4Good writes:
Welcome home Darion! Thank you for your service to our country!!!
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