Injured soldier returns home in time for Thanksgiving

written by: Randy Barber Kevin Torres

3 months ago

DENVER - Some doctors said he had a two percent chance of living. But that didn't stop Sgt. Martin May from regaining his health, so he could be with his family for Thanksgiving.

May was nearly killed in Iraq when his team fell under heavy enemy fire two months ago. Wednesday afternoon, May returned home to a warm surprise at Denver International Airport.

"Welcome to Denver folks!" an airport greeter shouted.

Sometimes you just have to wait, wait and wait some more, before you get to see someone who you haven't seen in a long, long time.

"They've been delayed twenty minutes," one soldier said to another.
For folks like CSM M. Rob Lawrence, that someone is Sgt. Martin May.

"That's a soldier's soldier right there," Lawrence said.

May was deployed to Iraq with the 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery. While on security patrol back in September, he and his team came under fire. May suffered a head wound and almost died. Yet, he still continued to execute his battle drills.

"And look out for the welfare of his soldiers, even though he was wounded," Lawrence said.

His friends and family have been waiting to see him for more than two months.

"He had surgery in Germany when it first happened in September. Then they flew him out to Texas and he has been there since," a family friend said.

Their wait is finally over.

"Good to have you home," Lawrence said as he hugged Sgt. May.

"You were someone I was hoping to see!" Sgt. May said with a smile on his face.

It's the first time May has been able to see his kids since he was deployed.

"I have a one year old. I didn't know he can walk. And he actually walked to me. So that kind of tore at a soldier's heart," May said.

While he has plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, May is just to be home with his wife and kids.

"This is going to rank in the top, probably the very top with my wife and my kids. It couldn't be better," he said.

After the homecoming gathering, May returned home to Firestone with his wife and kids.