GLADEWATER (KYTX) -- An East Texas soldier gets a hero's welcome home - and just in time for the 4th of July. Family and friends welcomed home Army Staff Sergeant Clint Bailey today. CBS 19's Abby Broyles was there and joins us now from our Longview newsroom.
This time last year, Army Staff Sergeant Clint Bailey was serving overseas on July 4th, but that's not the case this year. He got a hero's welcome home today in Gladewater. He and his family are happy to celebrate this 4th of July together at home.
It was supposed to be their first family trip to the park since staff sergeant Clint bailey flew into Dallas Monday night.
Instead, it was a hero's welcome home.
Friends, family and neighbors welcomed sergeant bailey back with open arms, thanking him for his service. His wife Krystal is thankful to have him home for the first time since November.
"We're just so happy, it couldn't be better, we're excited," Krystal said.
Their family shared this home video with us of 4-year old daughter Katelyn baking cookies for her dad Monday night.
Tuesday, little Katelyn clung to her dad.
"The kiddos started walking and talking so it's definitely good to be back and see these guys," Staff Sgt. Bailey said.
Sergeant Bailey has been serving in Afghanistan as a transportation specialist in the Army over the past year.
"It's hard because he's over there and you don't you know what's gonna happen - it's just good to have him back," Krystal said.
5:13:55 "We feel like we're complete now that Clint's back, our family's complete"
And the Gladewater community is complete now that one of their own is finally home.
"I'm really thankful to everyone for showing up, the surprise, it's good to know that they care just as much as we care," Staff Sgt. Bailey said.
Staff Sgt. Bailey told us he's home for 30 days and will go back overseas for a few weeks. Then he and his family are moving - he'll be stationed in San Antonio.
If you have a loved one who is coming home from service, the "Welcome Home Soldiers" group wants to hear from you. 903-707-2201
