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The display is to welcome back hometown heroes, Marine Corp. Jon Shell and Marine Lance Corp. Chris Shell, along with their friend, Marine Lance Corp. Jason Corby of Lexington, from their seven-month tour of duty in Iraq.

The Shell brothers' mom Terry Shell, decorated Croswell when the three soldiers landed in California. Terry and Gordon Shell also arrayed their yard at 5267 Sheridan Line Rd. with more ribbons and a huge banner, she said.

Lance Corp. Corby said his fiancee Mindy Fretenborough helped decorate downtown Lexington, when the trio returned to Michigan.

Some local businesses also have put up signs and posters, welcoming the trio home.

"It was overwhelming. I'm glad the town supported us," Corby said.

Shell, who coaches the Cros-Lex cross-country, volleyball and track teams, said she made the gesture to express her relief that they all had returned safely.

"I just wish they all could come back," she said.

Jon Shell, 24, has since returned to his home in Clinton Township. Chris Shell is resting at home, Terry said.

The trio left for Iraq on Sept. 29 2006.

Corby, who will be 21 on May 24, said he toured with the Shells, and he and Chris were in the same platoon.

"They were great. They motivated me. They have a great sense of humor. Sometimes you can get a little down," he said. "Still, you have a sense of accomplishment. You feel you made a difference."

He said there is a possibility he may be called back to Iraq.

For now "I'm just going to get used to the civilian world," he said.