Escort for Wounded Soldier

Thursday, 28 June 2007

Minnesota VFW Helps Organize Heartfelt Escort for Wounded Soldier   In 2005, while serving in Iraq, a roadside bomb exploded near Sgt. Anthony Larson of St. Cloud, Minn. Shrapnel tore through his body. Doctors tried to save Larson's leg, but a partial amputation was unavoidable.   Larson spent more than 18 months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.   The Minnesota National Guard contacted St. Cloud VFW Post 428 to see if the post could arrange a public greeting but the result was Post 428's commitment to do much more than that.   So on a sunny spring day in April, the streets of St. Cloud were lined with red, white and blue and scores of patriotic supporters waving American flags to welcome home their hometown hero.   "We wanted to give Larson the best welcome home imaginable," said Jim Hoeschen, VFW Post 428 quartermaster. "He's one of our own."   Members of Company B, 434th Main Support Battalion also turned out to support their comrade. Larson's commander, Maj. Jeff Howe, told the St. Cloud Times he could finally relax knowing the last person from his unit was safe at home.   "It's not just for Tony, it's for all of us," Howe said.   The Post, led by commander Bob Lehmeier, also organized a parade of police cars, fire trucks and more than 200 motorcycles. Larson rode through town on a fire truck as he greeted the cheering crowd all they way to the front door of Post 428.   "The welcome home drew over 400 people rallying in support for Larson," Hoeschen said. "It was amazing to see the residents join together to honor our American hero."

 

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