Middletown Soldier Welcomed Home by Friends, Family, First Responders & Vets

Marine Sgt. Zachary Boone was welcomed home Sunday evening by neighbors, family, friends and first responders.

The six-year military veteran finished his enlistment Sunday and was discharged from Camp LeJeune, North Carolina in the morning. By 6:30 p.m., a large group of motorcyclists and firefighters were escorting him through Middletown to his parent’s Peel Road house.

“The fire chief pulled in front of me when I got off 95 and told me what was going on and to following him,” Boone said. “I was just speechless. I was completely surprised.”

With the hum of motorcycle engines and sirens from fire company vehicles, Boone drove up to the Peel Road home where loved one’s warmly greeted him. Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick and State Rep. Frank Farry, who also  escorted Boone home in his fire chief’s vehicle, thanked the 25-year-old for his service. Fitzpatrick presented Boone with a citation and a flag that flew over the capitol building.

Among all the people there to greet Boone, Lindsay Cappiello, his girlfriend of four years, seemed to be one of the happiest. She said she was thrilled to have Boone home after several years of conducting their relationship long distance.

Boone’s mother, Nancy, said the support for her son was “overwhelming.”

Boone isn’t the only one in his family with a military background. His father Terry and older brother both served our country, his mother said.

Boone’s fathered yelled that his son should enjoy the welcome home festivities because starting Monday he would have chores to do.

“Drink a beer and get some time with your girl. You deserve it,” one veteran in a motorcycle jacket said.

Family and friends said the welcome celebration meant even more because Boone suffered a serious head injury in 2011 when an IED exploded near him during one of his tours in Afghanistan.

Once the Warriors’ Watch motorcycle and emergency responder escort had left, it was time for Boone to relax with those closest to him.

“Sgt. Boone performed a dangerous job in a faraway place so we can all be safe,” Fitzpatrick said. “This is just a small thank you from his town.”