Soldier returns from Iraq in time to meet newborn baby

Friday, August 12th 2005, 3:07 pm

By: News On 6

A Green Country solider returns to the homefront tonight. Army National Guard Specialist Joshua White walked into the waiting arms of his family and some surprising news at Tulsa International Airport this afternoon.

White was among a group requesting early deployment to Iraq last year. The News on 6's Heather Lewin was there for the happy homecoming, and asked White what he thinks today of his decision after spending months in Iraq.

Last September, they packed their gear and prepared to face the front lines. They didn't have to go. Their battalion wasn't yet called up. But the determined soliders kept transferring to different units, hoping for an early deployment to Iraq.

In December, Specialist Josh White got his wish. Now 8 months later, he's seeing home again for the first time through different eyes.

Anxious to hold him, Charlotte White finally spotted the confident stride of her son. It was a moment only they could share.

Charlotte White: "Kind of bittersweet cause in two weeks I have to send him back. But I'm glad to know that he's okay, he's on American soil and he's okay."

Spc Josh White: "I do miss my family, but I wouldn't change my decision. We've done a lot of good over there in the 8 months I've been there. A lot of people have the perspective that everybody over there's a bad person, that they have a bad outlook on it. They're not."

Charlotte White: "I support my son and if he feels like he's doing good over there, then I have to trust him. He's a young man now and he's able to make his own choices... and although I don't support the war, I do support my son and the good that he is doing over there."

Someone very special to Josh was missing from the welcoming committee... while his plane was in the air his girlfriend went into labor. Amazing timing when you consider he's only home on 2 weeks leave.

Clearly drawing upon the bravery that took him into battle, first time father Specialist Joshua White then rushed off to meet his son.

White is scheduled to be home for good in March.