One Soldier's Homecoming

By Alan Fraser

Unfortunately, not many Americans have born witness to the homecoming of the men and women who are doing the dangerous and dirty work for us overseas. These homecomings are something to experience if you can.

Recently, soldier Adam Trost, US Army E4 returned home from his second deployment to Iraq:

Adam has served two tours in Iraq, from October of 2006 to January of 2008 and again from December of 2008 to December of 2009. During his first tour, Adam sustained wounds when an IED exploded. He later returned to duty.

During his second tour, Adam was rendered unconscious when a bullet fired at point blank range was stopped by his body armor. In that situation, however, Adam was responsible for neutralizing an attacker prior to being hit himself.

Here is a very nice little 9-minute video of that homecoming. Turn up your desktop speakers and stick with it...you'll be rewarded. The men manning the flags along the streets are the Patriot Guard Riders.

What the Patriot Guard Riders do is important. It means a lot to our military men and women and their families. The Warrior Watch Riders is another organization that does this kind of good work. The gauntlet of men holding flags and the deafening roar of two dozen Harley's escorting the solider home is...well, it's uniquely American...and it's what a welcome home should be. Try to be part of such an event. You won't forget it.

Alan Fraser is the father of a United States Marine. He can be contacted at alanfraser62@gmail.com.