PORT ARTHUR — Mason Justice stayed cautiously close to his mother, Erica, as he eyed the camouflage clad group of civilian soldiers dubbed the “Texas Bone Crushers.”

The 3 year old softly uttered the word “daddy” while pointing to his father, Jeff Justice Jr., moments before members of the Texas Army Guard Bravo Battery 1st Battalion 133rd Field Artillery were officially released from duty after a welcome home ceremony at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center on Friday.

The Justice family of Port Neches were soon exchanging long overdue hugs and planing for Sunday family barbecue.

“It was hard on him (Mason). He asked so much for him (father),” Erica Justice said as she watched the two get reacquainted after their 9 month separation “The whole time we were here he wouldn’t speak to anyone, he wanted his dad.”

The group, fresh home from a tour of duty in Iraq, are part of Texas' largest deployment since World War II. They arrived back to the Lone Star state about 10 a.m. July 23 and were greeted by family and supporters waving American flags and holding hand-made signs. Members of the Southeast Texas Patriot Guard were on hand to escort the soldiers to their welcome home party.

Around 150 soldiers from the battalion took part in the Iraqi Freedom where they

provided humane treatment for 400 high threat-level detainees and worked as a security force in Iraq's Al Aqbar province.

U.S. Rep Ted Poe, R-Texas spoke, supposing the fear that came into the hearts of “bad guys in Iraq” who would cross a hill to realize a gang of Texans who call themselves the Bone Crushers were waiting.

“They stand ever ready. When duty called, they went,” Poe said.

Family swarmed from stadium seating to their camo-attired loved ones at the dismissal. Marcus Rogers snapped shots of his Beaumont coworker Terrance Sam, who had just grabbed up the toddler son, having seen him in person for the first time.

Justin Orta of Port Arthur said he was headed straight for Mexican food.

“It’s big,” he said about having a weekend with his family.

“We’re proud of him,” Maria Morrell of Groves said about Orta, her nephew.

The family sent him care packages with Louisiana hot sauce, she said.

Jose Valencia of Port Arthur picked up his bags from rows behind the center and expressed his one desire, to go fishing. Valencia said a noteworthy time from his journey began on New Year’s Eve and lasted through the next day, involving burning beds during a liberation from civilians soliciting the group’s help.

Tears glistened in Robert Scott’s eyes as he held his newborn son, Nathan, for the very first time.

“This is great,” the Huntsville resident said while cradling his 3-week-old son and glancing at his wife, Alicia.

Johnny Pena stopped to pose for pictures with friends and family as his mother, Mrs. Johnnie Pena, told of the young man’s achievements.

“This is his second deployment,” the Liberty County resident began. “He’s been in the National Guard for seven years and attends college where he’s majoring in criminal justice with a minor in music. He just needs 18 hours to graduate.”

After some time at home Pena plans to go back to the military where he has been recommended to train to teach other soldiers, he said.

Capt. Brian Hildebrand told guests the group had worked as a team, accomplishing a range of goals, including weight loss and improved fitness, higher education and getting out of personal debt.

Calvary Baptist Church choir and orchestra provided patriotic music during the patriotic event.

As guests left the civic center they grabbed hot dogs that David Barclay and others from the Port Arthur Fire Department provided.

“I’m happy we’re doing it for them. I’m glad they’re home safe,” he said.

Norman “Grumpy” Mardindale of Silsbee rode with the Patriot Guard, one of several motorcycle groups in attendance.

“It’s an honor to get to do this,” he said regarding the Bone Crusher welcome.

ddoiron@panews.com, mmeaux@panews.com