ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
After losing one of his legs while serving his country in Iraq, Staff Sergeant Clarence Eady had a long road to recovery both physically and mentally.
Just recently he got the chance to reconnect with a fellow soldier who tended to his wounds after a roadside explosion which probably saved his life.
This is the first time the two men have seen each other since that day.
Clarence Eady can now enjoy a cookout with family and friends but that's only because of a miracle.
In October 2005, Staff Sgt. Eady was behind the wheel of a personnel carrier on a dangerous road in Iraq when his life changed forever. An Improvised Explosive Device struck his vehicle.
"I remember bits and pieces, but a lot of stuff I don't remember," said Eady.
Sgt. Eady survived but lost his left leg below the knee.
He says he could have lost more if not for God and quick thinking from Sgt. Bill Hancock, who tended to Eady's wounds before more help arrived.
The two men haven't seen each other since that day.
After making surprise arrangements with Eady's wife, Kay, Hancock flew to Albany form Missouri to see his long lost friend.
"I didn't sleep too well last night, I was like a kid before Christmas. I've been wanting to do this for years, but I've always been hesitant. I didn't want to be intrusive," said Hancock.
And when it came time for the two to meet again, an emotional Hancock handed Eady the key from his vehicle that was blown up in Iraq.
"SGT. Eady, you know what? Next time you leave a track on the side of the road in Iraq burning, take the key out of it and don't leave it unlocked. You're vertical. The last time I saw you were flat on your back," said Hancock.
After embracing, the two men spent the next couple of days catching up and putting pieces together on what happened on that day seven years ago.
"Some of the pieces are missing like how did I get to this place and how did I get to that place, but now that he's here he's bringing it together for me," said Eady.
And Eady finally got the chance to say something that he never said before.
"I'd like to say thank you for what you've done and for helping bring me back home. I really appreciate it," said Eady.
Neither man considered Hancock's actions heroic.
"If he would have been in that situation, I've would have done the same thing. I would have taken off my coat or pants or whatever and done the same thing for him. It's what we're trained to do. We're one big family, so we look out for each other," said Eady.
Now, the two men's bond is stronger than ever and the two consider each other brothers.
"I wore this shirt and it might be kind of cliché, but it says brothers to the end. That's us," said Hancock.
Eady is doing much better these days as he is now able to tend to his farm and is becoming more mobile day by day, all thanks to the quick action of a fellow soldier.
Sergeant Hancock says he plans to visit again, next time with more of his military buddies.
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