Kamerer returns from tours in Afghanistan, Iraq

By CHRIS PETERSON / Hungry Horse News

Friends, family and church members gathered last Tuesday to welcome home Marine Sgt. Mike Kamerer of Columbia Falls.

Kamerer is home for good after serving three tours, one in Afghanistan, one in Iraq and the third in southeast Asia where he traveled with a group of 40 Marines training troops in several countries.

Kamerer graduated from Columbia Falls in 2002, went to the University of Montana for two years and then enlisted in 2004.

His first tour was in Afghanistan for eight months in 2005-06, and then for seven months in '06-'07 in Al Anbar province in Iraq.

He said his plan to move back to Missoula in the coming weeks and hopefully get a job with the Sheriff's Department, while he finishes his degree in sociology and pursues a career in law enforcement.

Kamerer saw combat in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He said he has hope for both countries.

"Both have improved dramatically since I was there," he said.

About two dozen folks came out to greet Kamerer when he arrived at Glacier Park International Airport, including his mom, Kris Anderson, stepfather Marty Anderson, sister Chantal and best friend Sarah Tremba as well as the Romine family and several others.

"He's got gray hairs now," his mother remarked of her 24-year-old son.