Tearful Homecoming For Wounded Warrior

   A wounded warrior from Ringgold is home for the first time after a bomb blast in Afghanistan almost six months ago. You could feel the anxious anticipation of Specialist Anthony Landowski's homecoming.

    His mother, Wanda Landowski, appeared the most keyed up. "First time him being back home. I mean it's special, it's really special," Landowski said.

    An Afghanistan bomb blast this past May shattered his legs and put him Walter Reed Hospital the last six months. He and three other members of Charlie Troop 1-108th were riding in a Humvee in northeast Afghanistan. The Improvised Explosive Device went off underneath their truck.

   This afternoon, we clipped a microphone on his mother for a joyous reunion. The first words out of her mouth, "There he is!"

   And this 22 year old had a major surprise for his parents. His father, Mark Landowski, first noticed it. "He's not on crutches." His mother was also overcome, "No crutches! Come on, there's a lot of people out there waiting to see you."

   Specialist Landowski described seeing the friends, relatives, balloons and American flags, "So overwhelming. When I was walking down, I could see everyone in the background, it put a big smile on my face," Spc. Landowski said.

   After private time with his parents, friends from the 1- 108th and neighbors hugged Specialist Landowski. "It means so much. I do what I do for the people and to seem them do this in return. It's just amazing."

    And so was his surprise of walking without crutches. His mother fought back tears at this unexpected sight. "His legs are healing. He's walking without help. It really makes a big difference, knowing that he's home."

    The sweetness of this homecoming shows how tough war is at home.

   This unit's family readiness group treasurer, Kate Walker, keeps mothers and spouses going during the separation. That aspect of her role choked her up. "Usually just letting them know that your life isn't peachy either. Sometimes, just knowing you're not the only person facing lonely nights and long days," Walker said.

   And tonight Landowski will reunite with the three other soldiers injured in that bomb blast. "Hopefully, they'll tell me some stories because I don't remember a thing about it, looking forward to it," Spc. Landowski said.

And today, his mom can't get enough. They embraced one more time, "I love you. I love you too mom."