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(Courtesy Edward Bonifay)Marine Cpl. Edward Bonifay of Gulf Shores is with one of the children near his deployment base in southern Afghanistan. Bonifay has spent the past seven months at a base camp in a classified location performing hazardous daily patrols. He said he is especially glad to be home for this year's Fourth of July holiday.

GULF SHORES, Ala. -- This weekend's Fourth of July holiday is special for Edward Bonifay of Gulf Shores, who recently returned from a stint in Afghanistan.

"I'm going to spend it with my family and friends," the 2006 Gulf Shores High School graduate said.

Although his plans don't sound like anything out of the ordinary, Bonifay said he considers himself fortunate to be able to spend the holiday at home. Until less than one month ago, his Marine Corps unit was deployed in Afghanistan.

"We were over there from November until June 4," he said.