A U.S. Marine from Holbrook received a hero's welcome from her family and friends at MacArthur Airport Saturday when she returned from her first tour of duty in Iraq.

"I'm so grateful, and I'm shocked, and I'm shaking," says Staff Sgt. Kristen Erario. "I couldn't have been raised with more of a better family, and such a wonderful community."

After months of praying for the safe return of the 32-year-old Marine, her parents, nieces and nephews came together to give her a warm welcome.

"I'm just so happy to have her home," says the servicewoman's mother, Janet Erario. "I couldn't wait to hug her and kiss her."

For her journey back to Holbrook, Erario hopped on a Harley with the Patriot Guard Riders, who escorted her home in style. After taking some time off, Erario plans to return to her civilian job as a New York state trooper.