Soldier greeted with hero's welcome

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Sgt. Stuart Morse returned home to a hero’s welcome, surrounded by family and friends at Mobile Regional Airport.

The crowd, which included Patriot Guard Riders, waited anxiously for the hometown hero to arrive.

“I thought it was for somebody else. I saw some of the flags and what not, I heard the drums. I didn't think it was for me,” said Sgt. Morse.

For many relatives, it’s the first time they’ve seen him in more than a year.

Sgt. Morse returned to the U.S. about three weeks ago from Afghanistan where his mother said he served on the Calvary unit, frontline for ten months.

Deborah Spooner said they have a lot of catching up to do.

“A lot of R&R,” said Spooner. “He just wants to hit the beach and relax, visit a lot of family, eat,” she said.

Strangers also came out to welcome the soldier home and say ‘Thank you.’

It’s a gratitude that Sgt. Morse said is more than enough.

He will only be home with family for the next two weeks. He said in about six months, he will be at a new duty station in Hawaii.