WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsSoldiers of the 951st Sapper Company Return to the Northwoods

Soldiers of the 951st Sapper Company Return to the Northwoods

by Elizabeth Fay

NORTHWOODS (WAOW)-- Soldiers of the 951st Sapper company received a warm welcome in Tomahawk. The streets were overflowing with patriotic pride. "Land of the Free! Because of you guys!" cried one supporter.

About 100 Soldiers poured out of the buses, many landing in their family's warm embrace.

"I'm a big cry baby so I just hugged him and buried my head into his chest," says Shaefer Peterson whose father returned with the unit.

Emotions were hard to contain for Sidney and Shaefer Peterson. They hadn't seen their dad for almost a year. Reuniting was something they'd hope for but knew was never guaranteed.

"It makes me very happy because its dangerous over there and we only got to talk to him once and a while, so it was hard to know what was going on and if he was even there," says Shaefer.

But their dad is home safe and sound, just in time for the Holidays.

"We are happy to have him back for Thanksgiving and Christmas, too. We are happy to have him at all," says Sidney.

The 951st Sapper Company landed in Afghanistan in February, where their mission included searching for explosives. Together they earned more than 200 awards, including 15 Purple Hearts.

A new engraving was revealed to honor the Rhinelander soldier who did not return. Sergeant Ryan Adams died of injuries from a grenade attack on October 2nd. A day loved ones will never forget.

"It's a cold name written in stone, but there's warmth there and it's a place to go to remember," says supporter, Judith Durkee.

Online Reporter: Elizabeth fay