Soldier Welcome Home

It`s a special homecoming for a local hero. Imagine having your child fighting for our freedom overseas..and not knowing when or if he will be home. One young soldier finally made it home on a very special day. It was a big suprise for Navy Petty Officer Rodney (Poe) Edwards. After nearly 2 years after military service in Italy he finally made it home, on his 21st birthday."It`s my 21st birthday but that`s not nearly as important as being here with my family and friends" Edwards said. The big bash came complete with family friends, and of course talk about his old days here at home. His mother Terri Edwards told us, "I`m very pround of my son, before he joined the Navy he had never been away from home before and then all of the sudden he`s gone, it was hard for mom and dad." But both mom and son agree...this homecoming is bittersweet. Rodney is only home from three weeks. Even though the trip home is short... he`s making the most of his time making memories he can take back with him while fighting for our country. This brave soldier says he`s ready to continue protecting the people and the country that he loves. Petty Officer Edwards will be heading back to Italy on September 9th. He has been working aboard the U.S.S La Salle in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reported By: Courtney Cullor