Nov 21, 2006 6:56 pm US/Central
Wounded Soldier Gets Hero's Welcome Home
Water Salute, Mortorcade Greet His Arrival
by Joanie Lum
ROLLING MEADOWS (CBS) ―
Thanksgiving comes early for a Chicagoland soldier.
Bryan Anderson suffered more than most in Iraq, losing his legs and an arm. He promised his family he'd be home by Christmas. But he did one better, arriving Tuesday to a hero's welcome.
CBS 2's Joanie Lum reports from Rolling Meadows where supporters from across the state is showing their support to a brave soldier who sacrificed so much.
They are having a welcome home party for Anderson inside the Stadium Sports Club. He was wounded badly in Iraq more than a year ago and has returned home a hero.
American Airlines gave its highest honor -- a water salute -- as Bryan Anderson's plane taxied to the gate at O'Hare International Airport.
The Iraq war veteran, who lost both legs and an arm to a roadside bomb last year, walked in with support from his twin brother, Bob.
Anderson was a ramp worker for American Airlines before he joined the Army. He thanked his fellow airline employees for the surprise homecoming.
"I can't thank you enough, fleet service people, give you a shout out," Anderson said. "I'll be down there soon enough."
He rode in a cart through the terminal to the sound of continuous applause, flanked by his parents.
"It's amazing, unbelievable," said Anderson's mother, Janet Waswo.
"I feel like a movie star," Anderson said.
The celebrity treatment did not stop there. A motorcycle escort awaited him at the Des Plaines oasis. Mike Ryan prepared his Harley and sidecar for Anderson's first class cruise.
"It's an honor for all of us to be here," said Ryan, who is a veteran as well.
Nearly 300 bikers headed down the highway to take the wounded soldier to his home town of Rolling Meadows.
Anderson said his motorcycle ride was great. He's toasting a few with friends and says that's what he really wants to do, just catch up with friends.
His mother is putting the finishing touches on their house to make it completely accessible for him.
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