SE Ohio Welcomes Home Area Soldier

It was a welcome home celebration in Duncan Falls Friday evening for an area soldier.

After fighting in Afghanistan for 7 months, Staff Sergeant Gary Hargraves returned home and was honored for his efforts in fighting overseas by law enforcement agencies across southeast Ohio. Hargraves along with his girlfriend and many area residents gathered along State Route 60 in Duncan Falls to show their support.

"It’s fantastic to be home, I’m really thrilled, just to have all my family and friends support me, I couldn’t have done it without them so this is really terrific and i’m ecstatic," said Hargraves.

Hargraves’ girlfriend Sarah Schroeder says its uplifting that people feel so passionate about showing respect for him, as well as others in the armed forces by coming out for the parade.

"We continue to pray everyday for those of our Marines and service members that are still overseas but it’s really nice to have him home," said Schroeder.

Hargraves does have some time left on active duty, but does not expect to be deployed back to Afghanistan any time soon.