Ride report posted for Glen

 

“I was the only one to welcome him home the last time he was home on leave”, said Adams mom.   SPC Army Medic Adam Gade was coming home after being injured in Iraq.

While on patrol, Adams humvee was hit with an IED.  Adam quickly regained his wits and was able to use his medic training to save the badly injured humvee gunner. 

Adams mom requested the WWR and Operation Welcome You Home Illinois to give him a well deserved Welcome Home.  This Welcome Home had a few challenges to work out.  Adams flight had an ETA of 2300 hours and he lived 2 hours away in Indiana.  His family was coming to pick him up at the airport, so we thought it would be great for us to meet him at the Terminal Gate.  A local bus company donated a driver and bus to take us from the staging area to inside the airport. The bus dropped us off at arrival terminal where we were met by volunteers of the USO that led us to the terminal gate.  Due to the heavy snowstorm and flight delays, Adam finally arrived at 0030.  The flight crew arranged for him to be the first one off of the plane.  A big smile of suprise was on his face when he was greeted by his family members and all of us waving US flags and shouting “Welcome Home Adam, Welcome Home”.  We presented Adam with the WWR Honor Coin and beads and a framed announcement from Operation Welcome You Home Illinois.  Everyone thanked Adam for protecting our freedom with many hugs and well wishes.