Community Corner
A Warm Welcome Home: Holiday Break From Afghanistan 'Feels so Good' to Local Soldier
Several motorcycle groups along with Tinley Park Fire Department welcomed home a hometown hero this week.
As dusk was descending on the Southland Monday, a large, eager crowd of supporters gathered to welcome home a hero.
Just in time to celebrate state-side holidays, U.S. Army Specialist Thomas Westwater was greeted in the parking lot by a thunderous applause. The suburban soldier has been granted a 16-day leave from Afghanistan.
"I am surprised," he said, after the welcome. "I didn't know all of this was for me ... I am just glad to be back with friends and family. I appreciate all the things they've done. This feels so good."
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Westwater's mother, Theresa, told an ABC 7 news reporter that having her son home is an extraordinary holiday gift.
"Just to see him, to touch him, and to know he's home and safe is the best feeling I have ever had, maybe probably since the day he's been born," she told a reporter was among a crowd that greeted the soldier at Midway Airport.
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Prior to Westwater's arrival in Tinley, the La Grange Road business bustled with activity as motorcycles and fire engines lined up in the parking lot and Soldiers Guardian Angels ride captain Tom Tallman delegated last-minute instructions to supporters.
"Today, it's an honor (to bring) home an America hero one day after Christmas," Tallman told the group. "We missed it by a day but we're still good to go."
As other members of various groups hugged and supported each other, Tinley Park resident Robbyn Gibbons—a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association—said a prayer for the Westwater family and all others who are fighting wars in far-off lands.
Offered a ride from the site in a fire truck or a humvee, Westwater opted for the latter. As the motorcycles got in the escort line blasted one of their engine's horns.
Tallman then gave his "good to go" thumbs up.
"I think it's very important that America comes out and supports our heroes," he said. "They need to know that we got their backs at home, that's what we're here for. ... It's not about us, it's about our heroes."
