Pocono News Section

Happy Homecoming for Marine Hero

Happy Homecoming for Marine Hero - Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 04:07AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Sunday March 28 2010
DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - A Lackawanna County marine injured in Afghanistan on March 15th returned home late Saturday afternoon. The 23-year-old Pennsylvania Patriot spent nearly two weeks recovering before making the return trip to Dunmore. Cheers, flags, and hugs make for a happy homecoming for Marine Lance Corporal Nathan Conway. He arrived at his family's Rigg Street home to a patriotic scene a world away from Afghanistan where he was injured by a roadside IED.

"Scary," is how LCPL Conway described the attack. "The first thing I did was looked at my marines to make sure they were okay. And then I assessed myself and I realized I couldn't really move too well." He suffered shrapnel wounds from his back down to his legs. Fellow marines in helicopters arrived on the scene and flew him and other marines in his convoy to safety.

For his loving family back home, hearing he was injured was a nightmare. "It was scary," said Tim Conway, the marine's brother. "It was hard to take for a little while but once we got more information it was a little easier." Lance Corporal Conway received a Purple Heart while recuperating in Bethesda, Maryland. A marine commandant presented the award to him. "It's kind of a big deal. I was very proud. It was a good feeling as he pinned that on me," said LCPL Conway.

His aunt, Kathy Nalevanko of Scranton, and other loved ones burst with pride about their marine hero. "In the line of duty when you are hurt, you're giving your all, I mean the ultimate. That, that to me is just amazing," said Ms. Nalevanko. Serving his country is something this marine dreamed about since he was a little boy. "He's always wanted to do it," said Nathan's older brother, Tim. "He's wanted to do it since he was about 7 years old."

His injuries underscore the risk serving his country carries -- a risk that hit home for Conway's 10-year-old cousin, Noah Nalevanko who said, "Glad just, like, to know that he's safe." And out of harm's way. "Good feeling. It's good to be home."

Lance Corporal Conway first enlisted in the service in January 2007. He's looking forward to hanging out with family and friends during his 30-day leave to recover. After that, he'll report to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he's expected to serve six months of limited duty before returning to Afghanistan.