A 22-year-old U.S. Marine who fought insurgents in Iraq was given a hero's welcome when he returned home to Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico on Saturday.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Benjamin Valdez served in Fallujah, a particularly dangerous area due to ongoing attacks. But Valdez, who suffered a shrapnel wound, said he would go back if asked.

"If you've got to go, you've got to go," he told The Albuquerque Journal.

Valdez's two other brothers are also in the military -- they serve in the U.S. Army -- but haven't been sent to Iraq.

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Pojoaque Marine Returns From Iraq (The Albuquerque Journal 4/10)