Marine Family United

Rowland Heights Calif. - Thanksgiving Day gave the Brinkmans much to be thankful for. The entire family was together for the first time since Brandon, a 21 year old Marine, shipped out to Iraq in April. In the next few months, Brandon's sister, Danielle, 19 and also a Marine, will leave for her first tour of duty in Iraq. It's going to be one heck of a Thanksgiving, said mother Anita Brinkman. This is going to be real special for all of us to be together again. It's going to be a real blessing. Brandon Brinkman returned home Wednesday night, but may be going back for a second tour he said. If we go we go he if we do not we do not he said. Anita said she could hardly contain her joy when she saw the bus that contained her son pulling into the Marine Base at 29 Palms about 8:30 p.m. It's the greatest gift a mom can have said Anita Brinkman to have your two kid's home on Thanksgiving. Because the Marine's father, Keith is a nine year veteran L.A. County firefighter, the family celebrated with the crew of fire station 145 on South Nogales Street. Thanksgiving is so much fun at the fire house said Anita said. Just having every one together is the best experience. The firefighters spent the day preparing three turkeys with all the trimmings for their family members. periodically stopping to respond to emergency calls before the meal was ready, family members said. Anita Brinkman said both children grew up in Rowland Heights, graduated from Rowland High, and followed their father's footsteps in to the U.S. Marine Corps.