DEL.ICIO.USUpdated: 11:20 p.m. June 20, 2009
Injured soldier: “It’s really great to be home”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Saturday, June 20, 2009
As the family of U.S. Army Sgt. David Battle anxiously awaited his arrival Saturday, they took time to reflect on the moment before them.
Excitement, relief, joy and pride were just a few of the emotions they were experiencing as they waited for Battle in the arrivals lobby at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
MASHAUN D. SIMON / msimon@ajc.com
U.S. Army Sgt. David Battle of Clayton County returned to Atlanta Saturday after being injured in Iraq in 2007.
“This is exciting,” Tanya Alexander, 26, whispered to her brother-in-law, Demetrius Johnson, 29.
Battle was coming home more than two years after he left on May 1, 2007, for his second tour in Iraq. However, this homecoming was different.
On Dec. 18, 2007, Battle stepped on an improvised explosive device while dismounting from his M1A2 Abrams tank. He lost his right arm and both legs in the explosion.
He had been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for nearly two years, undergoing numerous surgeries and recuperating from his wounds.
“This has been a long time coming,” Johnson said. “Today means we can finally move forward from this.”
Battle, his wife Lakeisa, and their four children arrived a little before 1 p.m. They were greeted at the arrival gate by a Delta Air Lines honor guard as well as a delegation of the Patriot Guard Riders of Georgia, a national group committed to working with and supporting the families of veterans and active duty soldiers.
Family and friends cheered as Battle and his wife stepped from the elevator. Johnson’s kids waved “Welcome back Uncle David” signs and Patriot Guard Riders whistled and cheered.
Johnson called his brother-in-law an example of motivation for him and his family.
“When he was getting ready to go back I told him, ‘You are a better man than me. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t go back,’ ” he said. “Through him I have learned and am able to push my kids. You can fall, get back up and make it through whatever happens.”
Men, women and children in the airport cheered and applauded Battle. He smiled and uttered a few words including, “It’s really great to be home.”
Fellow servicemen and servicewomen saluted Battle, offered hugs and handshakes and presented him with gifts. His wife shared hugs and kisses with family and friends.
The Patriot Guard Riders, Clayton County police and deputy sheriffs and Riverdale police escorted Battle and his family to their newly renovated Clayton County home. Supporters could be seen lining Highway 85. Some applauded while others waved American flags.
“People had the entire road lined all the way through Fayetteville,” said Michael “Nano” Louviere, Georgia state captain of the Patriot Riders. “The entire neighborhood came out, lining the streets with 3-by-4 flags. The family was very much moved.”
Being a part of this homecoming celebration is special for Louviere.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of such a glorious event,” he said, “Especially when a soldier comes home alive.”
Battle returned to a Clayton County home renovated by volunteers that is handicapped accessible and provides him with the ability to move about.
He had been designated to take ownership Thursday of a new home outside Baltimore built for him by a nonprofit group with volunteer labor. Homes For Our Troops declined to present the home to the Battles, saying they concealed from the nonprofit that they owned two homes in Fayetteville purchased with a compensation payment from the Army.
Battle is slated to return to Walter Reed in about a month for additional surgeries and rehabilitation.
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