Marine Hero Ready to Stay Home

Lance Cpl. Kevin Cronin Jr., of Libertyville, received a hometown hero’s welcome Saturday when he returned from a seven-month tour of duty with U.S. Marine Corps in Afghanistan, but it is the next homecoming he eagerly awaits. 

Cronin was thinking about his future as he rode high atop a tractor as well-wishers lined the three-block parade route from his family’s business, , to a celebration at .

Home and family were on Cronin’s mind as he was honored by state Rep. , R-Mundelein, Lake County Sheriff , a Marines honor guard and the Patriot Guard Riders, a Marines motorcycle club. The honor guard and Patriot Guard Riders helped lead the parade. 

When his four-year enlistment is up in 2012, Cronin plans to return to Libertyville and work for the family business. 

“I’ve seen enough,” Cronin said when asked he if planned to make the military his career. “You have the highest of highs and the lowest lows,” he added of his time in the Marine Corps. 

Despite his readiness to rejoin Century Electric Supply to work with his father, Kevin Sr., and others, he is every inch a Marine. He understands his role and lets others sing his praises.

“I’m a fighter. I’ve always been a fighter since I played high school football,” Cronin said. He played for Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein graduating in 2003. “I fight for our country, but mostly for the guy right next to me.”

When the time came for speeches, everyone in the room heaped glory on Cronin, but the lance corporal did not pause for a moment when his turn came. He reminded more than 200 people in the room who he felt had their gratitude coming. 

“I don’t deserve this. I’m here,” Cronin said. “Those who didn’t make it back deserve it more.” 

Dold let the crowd know how much Cronin’s effort meant to the freedom all American’s enjoy on a daily basis.

“What he does is inspiring for so many,” Dold said. “The very freedoms we have we have because of people like him.” 

Cronin received a number of certificates and awards from Sullivan and Bob Abrams of the Warriors' Watch Riders. Dold had a special gift but he could not deliver it Saturday.

“The flag I have for you is flying over the capitol of the United States today,” Dold said to thunderous applause.

Abrams expressed the mood of many of the current and former Marines in the room. They have pride in what they did but save the strongest praise for those fighting now. They have accompanied returning heroes like Cronin and those who were not so lucky. 

“We’re not riding for ourselves but for our brothers,” Abrams said. “We want to be here for what they have paid for, and we never want to forget that.” 

Everyone in the room at Austin’s was proud of Lance Cpl. Cronin, including Kevin Sr. He was thrilled with his son’s accomplishments and had thanks for nearly everyone involved with the homecoming. 

“We’re so proud of him for serving our country,” the elder Cronin said. “I want to thank the village of Libertyville and all the local businesses who helped out.”

Correction: A previous version of this article stated that Bob Abrams was with the Patriot Guard Riders. The article has been updated to reflect that Abrams is actually with Warriors' Watch Riders.