A Sandpoint welcome for a wounded Iraq war veteran

Sandpoint community leader Marsha Ogilvie got the ball rolling by sending out an email with a plan. It took off from there. People brought balloons and flags. Others supplied refreshments. Emergency response personnel provided plenty of noise and color while escorting Sgt. Brandon Adam across Lake Pend Oreille's Long Bridge and through downtown Sandpoint to the Assembly of God Church.

Yesterday's welcome-home ceremony for Brandon, who lost both legs above the knee in a roadside bombing last May in Baghdad, was vintage Sandpoint as hundreds lined the streets and gathered inside the church to wipe away tears while listening to stirring sounds of the Albeni Pipe and Drum Corps.

A very special song written for the soldier by his sister, Tricia Small, and accompanied by a power point presentation of Brandon's recovery, including his recent meeting with the President, climaxed the formal program.

Then, the hand-shaking and the hugging began as young and old, friends, family, fellow veterans and perfect strangers all focused on the gratitude of seeing the Sandpoint soldier return home---wounded but strong in spirit and big in warmth.

Welcome home and thank you, Brandon.