Oklahoma soldier returns home

The family of an Oklahoma soldier is celebrating his safe return from Iraq. Sergeant Jerril Billy flew back to Tulsa in time for a holiday homecoming. Sgt Billy's family says it will be one of their

Thursday, June 30th 2005, 11:21 am

By: News On 6

The family of an Oklahoma soldier is celebrating his safe return from Iraq. Sergeant Jerril Billy flew back to Tulsa in time for a holiday homecoming. Sgt Billy's family says it will be one of their most memorable Fourth of Julyâ€™s.

Mom, dad, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, and in-laws were all on hand to welcome him home Thursday afternoon at the Tulsa International Airport.

His wife Shawn tripped a security alarm when she ran to meet him. Sgt Billy is home for two weeks, after being deployed near Taji in Iraq since January. He also spent some time on patrol near Baghdad in the past six months.

After his two week leave, Billy heads back to Iraq until 'next' January, for another six months away from his family. "It's going to be easier the next six months. The next six months are going to be a lot easier. I've been there a while, I know what to expect. I've been through the worst part of it now and it's all downhill from here."

Sgt Billy is glad he will be able to spend Independence Day with his family.