Cpl. Todd Simpson Love is a third-generation Marine, so the words quit and give up aren't found in his vocabulary.
Love was the point man on foot patrol in the Sangin district of Afghanistan on the morning of Oct. 25 last year, when he triggered an improvised explosive device. The most severely injured among his fellow Marines, he lost two legs and part of his left arm.
On Saturday, Love, 20, received a hero's welcome when he returned to Georgia. The wounded member of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, B Company, which is stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., was met by a motorcade of cars and more than 250 motorcyclists from several groups, including Warrior Watch Riders and the American Legion Post 111, at Cobb County Airport-McCollum Field. He next was whisked to Dallas Landing Park in Acworth for a celebration and mayoral commendation.
A relative kept people informed of the Marine's arrival using Twitter and Facebook messages. When his plane landed from Virginia, courtesy of Angel Flight, he was greeted by hundreds of people with applause, cheers and more than a few tears. Streets to Acworth were lined with well-wishers, signs and American flags.
"I don't know what to say right now," said Todd Love, who smiled wide when he saw the huge waiting crowd. "Thank you so much. It's nice to be home. I love y'all."
He retained his sense of humor, joking that he was sent out to search for mines -- and he found them.
Love's mother, Tammy Cox of Douglasville, said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. "I'm happy to have him home, I'm humbled," said Cox, who predicted her son would be floored by the reception. "He'd never imagine this, not in a million years."
"He's a very strong-willed person," said Gary Love, Todd's father, his voice breaking. "It just catches me sometimes. He's an amazing kid and a devoted Christian. This is what keeps him from really falling apart. "
Richard Mellick, a 20-year Navy veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 111, came to show his support. "This is where it all start -- in the community," he said. "It takes a whole community to show our love and appreciation."
Jan Touchstone of Kennesaw and one-time military wife, didn't know the Love or Cox families, but wanted to greet the Marine on his return home. "My son is in the Army," she said. "This is close to my heart. These guys need our support."
Since the incident, Todd Love has been in recovery at the National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He's been in outpatient rehabilitation and assisted by his brother, Brandon.
Todd Love, who was in Afghanistan on a seven-month tour, did not suffer internal injuries and no one in his unit was killed. "Todd was the worst of the worst," Gary Love said.
Todd Love, who graduated from Kell High School in Cobb, wanted to join the Marines as soon as he could, following his father and grandfather.
An extreme sports enthusiast, Todd Love likely has benefited from his fitness level in recovery. He previously climbed walls, dove off cliffs, boxed and did his share of thrill-seeking. Even after losing his legs, Love has gone skiing three times, using adaptive skis, in Pennsylvania and Colorado. "It was wonderful," he said in an earlier interview.
At least for the next few days, though, Love intends to relax.
"I plan on being at home, really," he said. "I just want to see some old friends and family. I'm trying to see them first. I wouldn't mind meeting new people along the way. But I don't want to set a plan. I'm the kind of person who lives day by day."
Told a lot of people want to thank him for serving his country and his sacrifice, Todd Love paused before concluding, "Everyone always says that. I was just doing my job. I think there are a lot of people out there [who] make a lot of effort every day and they don't get recognized."
Gary Love hopes that other Americans don't forget his son and those serving their country.
"If it's not directly in your face, you don't think about it," he said. "I can't be angry about that, though. That's how life goes."
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