Soldier Returns Home

A Green Country hero is welcomed home. Shane Vincent has spent months recovering from a near fatal roadside bombing in Iraq. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports on Friday he returned to Sapulpa for a community-wide celebration.

"It's the best Christmas gift that I could ever ask for," said Kathy Vincent, Shane's mom.

And, her oldest son is doing something that once seemed impossible. He is walking.

"It's really a miracle. I mean when we first saw him we just didn't know. It's a miracle," said Kathy Vincent, Shane's mom.

A roadside bombing in Iraq almost took Shane's legs and his life.

"It's a lot to go through. I'm still going through a lot now. Just to be able to walk. I was really worried about that," said Shane Vincent.

The once professional BMX rider spent months recovering in a Florida hospital. The attack damaged his lungs, liver, kidney and broke his neck, back, and pelvis.

"There were times when I felt I had no idea we would be ever be here and could continue with our marriage and lives away from therapy, rehab, and the hospital, but we're finally here seven months later," said Shane Vincent's wife, Sharon.

Family, friends and strangers couldn't wait to thank the war hero for all he has done. But, Shane says he was only doing his job.

"It's just amazing all the support out there and it's amazing the respect you have for you just for serving your country. It's amazing. It's a good feeling to have," said Shane Vincent.

His family just hopes other soldiers will get their due.

"We pray for all the soldiers that aren't here for Christmas because we had to go through it last year. It's well worth the celebration when they get home," said Shane's father, Shane Vincent.

Originally aired on 12/21/2007