Jubilant Crowd Welcomes Home Local Soldier

The quiet of Saxony Drive gave way Saturday to a joyous celebration welcoming back Cinnaminson’s native son Michael Forgash Jr. from his yearlong tour in Iraq.

Around 2 p.m., neighbors, friends and family began streaming onto the street, quickly clogging sidewalks and driveways. Some had eyes wet with tears of relief; others chatted in giddy excitement.

Then, as the low rumble of the motorcycle escort began to intensify and the Cinnaminson Fire Department sounded an alarm, the crowd got increasingly worked up. Flags waved frantically, a crescendo of cheers built and a little boy did a dance in the road. Cinnaminson High School’s band trumpeted patriotic tunes and local Boy Scouts stood at attention.

When the SUV carrying Forgash turned onto Saxony Drive, the air pulsed with cheers, whistles and shouts of “Mikey!” as well-wishers began to surge forward.

Here he was, home at last, Cinnaminson’s returning soldier.

Army Specialist Forgash, a 2007 Cinnaminson High School graduate, is celebrating Independence Day with his family after a year serving as a medic in Iraq.

Surveying the huge crowd that came out to support him—numbering more than 150— Forgash looked slightly wide-eyed.

“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “I didn’t expect any of this, but to see everyone is just amazing.”

Forgash’s family, uniformly wearing broad smiles and rarely taking their eyes off of Michael Jr., also seemed a bit dazed by the large turnout.

“Words really can’t describe it—I’m overwhelmed by all of the support this community has given my son,” Michael Forgash Sr. said. “I’m so grateful to everyone here today. I just can’t thank them enough.”

Mom Kathy Forgash called it simply “the best” to have her boy back home.

As Michael Jr. stepped through the security gates at Philadelphia International Airport, “it was just a relief. A huge, huge relief,” Kathy said exhaling deeply. “Words just can’t express how proud I am of him.”

Forgash, a sports standout at Cinnaminson High School, enlisted in the Army on his 20th birthday in 2009. His first deployment took him to Iraq with the Third Infantry Division, 4th Brigade, 6-8 CAV Bravo Troop, 1st Platoon.

During the past year, he had occasional contact with his family, often using Facebook to communicate. For this past Christmas, the family put together a video for him, and relatives would send monthly care packages or encouraging letters.

As the family began to anticipate his return home, Megan Gertie, Forgash’s girlfriend, looked into having the Cinnaminson Fire Department greet the returning soldier. Plans snowballed as the Yellow Ribbon Club, Warriors’ Watch Riders, Boys Scouts, Cub Scouts, high school bands and many others banded together for the celebration.

Greeters included U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan (R-3), Cinnaminson Committeemen Ben Young and Anthony Minniti and Burlington County Freeholder Joseph Donnelly. Many dignitaries made short presentations, leaving Forgash with more than a half-dozen proclamations and gifts.

The family decided also to invite the entire community. Extended family, neighbors and high school buddies stood alongside strangers from Cinnaminson and neighboring towns who simply wanted to express their gratitude for Forgash’s service.

“I had no idea whatsoever it would turn into this,” Gertie said, gesturing at the packed lawn. While the two have dated for two years—with war separating them for half of their relationship—they met as children in grade school. 

“I want him to know I’m very proud of him, and I’ll always support him in what he does,” she said, adding simply, “I love him.”

After the electric celebration, the Forgashes were looking forward to simply spending time together.

“I just want to sit down and talk with him,” sister Heather said. The siblings have a lot to catch up on, including her recent graduation from Cinnaminson High School.

As for Forgash?

“I want to change, grab a beer and dive into the pool,” he said grinning.

 to see a photo gallery on Cinnaminson Patch of Michael Forgash Jr.'s welcome home celebration.