Marine’s Heartfelt Reunion with Phoenix Family This Memorial Day

By Staff Reporter |

A touching reunion transpired over the weekend at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport as the Cisneros family welcomed back Marine Corporal Josue Cisneros. He returned home after a six-month deployment at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, arriving just in time for Memorial Day celebrations, his sister’s graduation, and his own birthday.

This heartwarming homecoming was made possible by Miles for Military, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit. The organization finances flights for junior service members in exchange for volunteer service hours, helping them return home for significant life events and emergencies.

Cisneros expressed deep appreciation for both his family and the nonprofit’s assistance. “It’s really great to be home,” he told Fox 10. “If it wasn’t for Miles for Military, I wouldn’t be here for the next two weeks.” He also looks forward to quality time with his beloved dog.

Miles for Military was founded by Maureen Byrne, whose son’s experiences inspired her to help fellow Marines who struggled with the financial burden of travel. Since its inception in 2021, the organization has facilitated numerous reunions for service members across the country.

Cisneros’ return highlights the legacy of Arizonans in military service, a tradition steeped in honor and sacrifice. While his homecoming is a reason to celebrate, it also serves as a poignant reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Historically, wars have claimed the lives of thousands of American soldiers. Approximately 25,000 soldiers died during the Revolutionary War, followed by significant losses in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. The Civil War proved to be catastrophic, with an estimated 610,000 casualties among Union and Confederate troops.

The observance of Memorial Day first emerged in 1868 as Decoration Day, honoring fallen soldiers. Arizona, which became a state in 1912, saw many residents enlist and sacrifice their lives in conflicts over the years. The total count of Arizonans lost includes over 300 in World War I, more than 1,600 in World War II, and over 150 in recent conflicts including the Iraq War and War in Afghanistan.