Wounded warrior gets special homecoming

By Luke Duecy Published: Sep 28, 2012 at 11:24 PM PDT

SEATTLE -- A local soldier came home Friday for the first time since being severely wounded while fighting in Afghanistan.

But what makes his story really special are the men and women who flew him home for free.

The Sawyer family had been hoping and praying for the day they could see their son, brother and friend come home. On Friday, that day finally came. But it was a long and violent road that brought Jereme Sawyer home.

Wounded in a roadside IED attack in Afghanistan, Sawyer lost both his legs at the knees. While rehab and recovery proved painful at times, it was nothing compared to the pain of being away from his family.

Since his injury, Sawyer has been recovering on post in Texas when all he wanted to do was be home with his family.

"I haven't been home since before the IED blast," Sawyer said after his plane touched down.

After hearing his story, the Wounded Warriors Veterans Airlift Command stepped in. They got Everett's Chinook Flight to donate a plane and fuel, and pilot Richard Newman donated his services.

"I'm grateful, I'm nothing but grateful," Sawyer said.

His mom, Mary, flew with the team to get her son. And now that he's home, there are a few things Sawyer wants to do before flying back for another surgery.

"I just want to be home and be with my family and friends, but mainly I want to see my boys, Avery and Adin. I miss them a lot," Sawyer said.

He'll get to see his sons in the next few days, all thanks to a bunch of people who love him and some he just met.

"I would like to say thank you to the Veterans Airlift Command," Sawyer said.

The same team will fly Sawyer back to Texas next week.

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justmyopinion

Am I the only one wondering why, after all this man has given up for his country, that in order for him to come home for a visit someone had to donate his transportation? God bless them for doing it, but there should never be a wounded serviceman or woman who has to rely on the kindness of strangers to provide them with a visit home. I can't help but think of all the other wounded men and women who need a visit with their family. That should be a "no questions asked" benefit to the wounded. If we can afford to send these brave young people over there, the least we can do is take care of them once they return, no matter what condition they are in. I'm also curious why he has to go back to Texas, why can't his rehabilitation be done right here at Madigan where he can be close to his family during this trying time? Â I know, call me a bleeding heart liberal, but once a guy gives up his legs for our country he deserves first rate treatment IMHO.