Photos: A Marine Comes Home
Christian Viola joined the Marines two years ago and just completed a seven-month deployment overseas.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Hero’s welcome: Rainelle Mayer, center, hugs her grandson Christian Viola after he steps off the plane Saturday evening at the Albany International Airport in Colonie. His mother, Michelle Viola Street, of Altamont, at far left, had just rushed to greet him in a blur of motion. Her oldest son, Christian joined the Marines two years ago and just completed a seven-month deployment overseas, she said.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Almost home: Rainelle Mayer and her husband, Michael, Christian Viola’s grandparents, along with his sister, Nicole Viola, and her boyfriend, Sam Feinman, hold signs as they wait for their first glimpse of Christian coming into the terminal. Christian’s father, Scott Straight, stands behind Feinman. Grandfather Michael Mayer brought Christian a DiBella sub sandwich to the airport to welcome Christian with one of his favorite foods.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
All in line: Patriot Guard Riders stand at attention waiting for Christian Viola’s arrival into Albany’s airport after coming home from a long deployment overseas. One of the members uses a service dog, which sported a red, white, and blue kerchief and waited patiently at his feet.