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(WMC-TV) - A Marine injured in the line of duty received a big Mid-South welcome as he finally made his way home early Friday morning.
Corporal Christian Brown lost both of his legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan last December.
"Patriot Guard is here with me, got family and friends, so you know, couldn't ask for nothing better," he said as he arrived at the Memphis International Airport at 1:30 a.m.
It has been a long road for Corporal Brown, who has been recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Maryland for the past nine months.
"You know, when you first wake up, you know, you really don't know what's going on, you know. You're life's been wrecked. But, you know, every day I was working toward this day so, you know, I'm glad to be here," said Brown. "Oh man! I'm loving that I'm in the south! Good night!!...I'm glad to be back where people got a southern drawl."
Brown says he is looking forward to sinking his teeth into some ‘good ole' southern fried chicken.
But most importantly, Brown is glad is to be in a place where he knows people are happy to see him.
"It's gonna be fun to see everybody, again." Brown said. "You know, I'm sure it's gonna be some overwhelming feelings at times but I'm glad to be home."
Brown knows there are more challenging times ahead, but says he would not change a thing.
"A Marine doesn't know defeat, you know." Brown said. "There's always gonna be a challenge or expectation, so as long as you can wake up and fill your shoes."
Brown says as long as he is moving forward, then he is happy.
As Corporal Brown left the airport, he talked about the "kids" still in Afghanistan – sleeping in holes and under fire.
And he wants us to remember to thank and support them when they come home too.
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