MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Around 3,000 Camp Pendleton-based Marines reunited with their families after seven months afloat Feb. 19.The Marines with the 13th MEU conducted humanitarian missions, assistance operations, joint and coalition forces exercises in Egypt and combat operations in Iraq, said Capt. Ed Esposito, logistics officer with 13th MEU Command Element.“The biggest thing was our accomplishments,” said Sgt. Maj. Sylvester D. Daniels, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment sergeant major. “We did humanitarian missions. We provided 3,000 men and women with dental and medical care. At the same time we increased voting at the poles by providing security in Hit and Baghdad.”Marines’ families could not be more eager to meet up with their Marine or sailor. Family members were climbing up barbed wire and poking their noses through chain link fence just to get a glimpse of their Marine.“It’s good to have him back,” said Jim Lanning, Sgt. James J. Lanning’s father. “He’s been to Operation Iraqi Freedom (twice) and Operation Steel Curtain.”Sergeant Lanning was also glad he has returned once again.“It does get tiring with three deployments,” said Sgt. Lanning, with E Company, 3rd Amphibious Assault Bn. “It feels good to be back, just to know that I can drive down the road safely.”Lance Cpl. J. Lucas Grisham, a mortar man with 2/1, had his 6-year-old cousin, Tristian Friend, come for his homecoming. Tristian’s mother, Lisa, recalled how proud Tristian was of Grisham when he was on deployment.“The other day Tristian asked me, ‘Mommy, you know what Lucas is doing in Iraq?’” Lisa Friend said. “I said, ‘what Tristian?’ and he said, ‘saving the world.’”Lisa Friend said Tristian has been awaiting Grisham’s return ever since he left. Donning Grisham’s Kevlar helmet, Tristian peered up at Grisham trying to balance the oversized helmet on his head and said, “He’s my favorite.”Some Marines still couldn’t believe they were back in the states.“I’m still trying to adjust,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Sullivan, a rifleman with 2nd Bn., 1st Marines.While Sullivan was still in shock, his wife Sara was exuberated from his return.“Oh my gosh, it’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Sara said. “Right next to our wedding day.”Other Marines there were just happy to see their children.“It feels good to be back,” said Cpl. Luis O. Bonilla, a technical data technician with 2nd Bn., 1st Marines. “I’ve been gone too long.”His children agree.“It feels good to have my daddy back — because I missed him,” said 5-year-old Brianna.“It’s my daddy!” exclaimed 3-year-old Cameron.Between the hugs, kisses and tears of joy shared between the returning Marines and their families, the Marines did not forget those who could not return to Southern California.“It would’ve been better with no wounded in action or killed in action,” Daniels said. “They died with honor, courage and commitment — a bunch of brave Devil Dogs.”