RUMFORD —  U.S. Marine Richard Korhonen climbed a ladder on a lamppost beside the Key Bank on Congress Street.

With his family and relatives looking on, the soldier removed the ties and took down the patriotic shield with his name on it. Another soldier has returned home.

The patriotic shields were placed on lampposts in Rumford during the summer of 2011 by Arthur Boivin and the American Legion Post 24 Auxiliary. Since that time, more than 30 soldiers have returned home to claim their shields. Soldier Buddy McLain was killed in action.

Eleven more patriotic shields remain in place around town.

Korhonen plans to put his shield in a room he has for items marking his Marine Corps career. He calls it his “motivation room.”

The 2003 graduate from Mountain Valley High School Korhonen served for 5½ years with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. He trained as a field radio operator but served as a platoon sergeant.

He returned to the area Nov. 1 after completing his second seven-month mission in Afghanistan.

Asked about his experience serving in Afghanistan, Korhonen said, “It was hot. We just did the basics; nothing exciting. There were a lot of good guys. Being away (from the family) was the toughest part.”

Korhonen, who plans to serve a 20-year career with the Marines, has been assigned to Parris Island, S.C., where he will serve as a drill instructor. The family left for South Carolina on Monday, the day after he collected his shield.