Bartlesville Soldier Comes Home For the Holidays

It was a holiday homecoming Friday for one Green Country family.

Angel Barrows is no stranger to happy homecomings. She's president of the Blue Star Mothers in Bartlesville and has been to her share of greetings at the airport.

But Friday she was waiting for flight 3811, due to arrive at 12:01.

"Probably not so much the president today, as I'm probably going to be a big ol' puddle," said Barrows.

On board that flight was her 25-year-old son, Specialist Nate Taylor.

1/24/2012 Related Story: Local Blue Star Mothers Set Lofty Goal After 'Adopting' Alaska Unit

So along with her young daughter, wearing combat boots of her own, and members of the Patriot Guard, Barrows waited proudly for her son, a soldier who's served in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Just the man that he's become and the things he's accomplished," Barrows said.

With Old Glory at the ready, Barrows anxiously watched for her son.

After what seemed for forever, the wait was over.

"It's wonderful. It's been a long time coming, I don't want to let go," she said.

Specialist Taylor said the reception was unexpected, but it's something he greatly appreciates.

"It's great to know we have true Americans out there who still are willing to stand by the flag, still hold it up," Taylor said.

Specialist Taylor will be in Oklahoma for the next 30 days, and then he'll be transferred to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

12/6/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma Soldier Returns Home To Wife And Two Young Sons After 11 Months