A Homecoming Fit For A Hero

Nathan Jakubison always dreamed of seeing the world.

"After I saw Japan, I wanted to see more pretty much, I just wanted to join pretty much and they gave you hopes and dreams of seeing the world," said Nathan," and that’s pretty much what I want to do."

After high school, Nathan enlisted in the Marines and served as a combat engineer, deployed in Afghanistan.

On June 5th, Nathan’s life changed forever when he stepped on an IED.

He lost his right leg while his left leg suffered severe damage.

"I’m thankful to be here," Nathan said. "I really didn’t know what the outcome was going to be. All I know is that I woke up with my family and cards from people around the community and stuff like that. Just so much support even though it took me a couple of days just to realize where I was."

On Sunday, Nathan was given a hero’s welcome by the community he calls home.

Hundreds of people lined the streets waving flags and signs and cheering; all to show their thanks to a soldier who nearly gave his life.

"It is truly awesome, and a privilege to get to be here and welcome him. I wouldn’t want to miss this it for anything," said Sandy Black, standing along the parade route.

"It’s just a fantastic opportunity for us to show our gratitude for these brave men and women and what they’ve done," said Cambridge resident, David Kissinger,. "I’m just so happy to have a chance to stand out here and support them and lift them up and encourage them for what they’ve sacrificed for us. It’s a great day."

"I think it’s nice that we have such a nice big turnout of people that come to welcome a hero home instead of the opposite," added Linda Glosser.

Nathan said the community’s support gave him hope during a time when he didn’t know what to expect.

"Really it’s just the support that comes from a tight community like that, it just really means a lot," said Nathan, "and it gives you a lot of hope, like a better outcome of what you really thought you would come out of the hospital as."

Alongside his wife, Nathan greeted Veterans and others in the community at VFW Post 2901 where the Afghanistan and Iraq War Memorial Wall was assembled and on display.

While his recovery continues, Nathan said he is happy to be home surrounded by those who love him.