Soldiers Homecoming

Alabama Iraq The fourth of July means different things to different people but for one family in Baldwin County it means---Homecoming.

by Debbie Williams

Published: Fri, July 04, 2008 - 3:55 pm CST Last Updated: Fri, July 04, 2008 - 4:13 pm CST

The Fourth of July means different things to different people but for one family in Baldwin County today it means homecoming.
His tour of duty complete, Will Stanback has returned home and today was the perfect opportunity for te entire family to welcome him home.
Two years ago he volunteered to go to Iraq, "I had people telling me no you're crazy you don't need to go over there," he says.
But something was telling him it was the thing to do. "From the time I joined, I think that's what God wants me to do with my life is go over there and serve."
His tour of duty over, he's back home and on the Fourth of July. A barn party with family and friends in Rosinton is his official welcome home. "Just to know I had all these people plus hundred more praying for me sending me packages, it's overwhelming.
Besides family and food there was something else Will Stanback missed, something taken for granted every day. The colors of the trees and grass, something he hasn't seen in almost a year. "There was dust and palm trees. That's all you see. I saw the grass for the first time and I said, this is beautiful!"
Going back is a possibility and while he won't volunteer this time he says he won't complain if he is called up. That may happen sooner than he had hoped.
His National Guard Unit has already be placed on alert for possible deployment at the first of the year.

WKRG.com » News Stream » Local