Army soldier returns home to a big Tulsa welcome

An Oklahoma soldier returns home and is back with family. Private First Class David Ryals got a warm welcome from friends and family Thursday at the Tulsa International Airport. <br><br>Ryals left for

Thursday, August 21st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

An Oklahoma soldier returns home and is back with family. Private First Class David Ryals got a warm welcome from friends and family Thursday at the Tulsa International Airport.

Ryals left for Iraq in January. His mother, Suzanne Ryals, says the members of her church helped her get through the hard times. "The love everyone has expressed all these months. It's tough not knowing and I'm glad I didn't know everything he was in, the church has been my rock."

US Army Pfc David Ryals: "It's been a while. I had no idea I'd be greeted by such a warm welcome."

Ryan's mom says she plans to do a lot of cooking in the next few days to show her son she's glad he's home safe.