Finally home: Wounded Marine corporal receives warm welcome in his tiny home town

TOWN OF LONG LAKE (WITI) -- Family members and friends welcomed home a wounded Marine this weekend in northeastern Wisconsin. Corporal Randy Smith was injured in Afghanistan 10 months ago. He was treated and was finally able to return home to the Town of Long Lake in Washburn County this weekend.

It has been awhile since his loved ones have seen Marine Corporal Randy Smith.

"About a year, a little over a year now. I haven't seen him since he was hurt, so we're anxious to see him," Smith's aunt, Sherry McCraw said.

Smith was in Afghanistan last August. He left base while riding on a truck, and a roadside bomb was detonated.

The 80,000-pound truck Smith was riding in was thrown about 60 yards.

Smith could've died.

"He very well could've not come home. I can't even say what it means to me. It's my life," Smith's mom, Sheila Smith said.

Smith has a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and injuries to his shoulder, hip and knee.

"He was in Afghanistan for awhile and wasn't improving so they brought him to Germany and then finally brought him back to the States," Smith's aunt, Dawn Helper said.

The crowd waited anxiously until finally, Marine Corporal Randy Smith arrived.

It was the first time Smith was able to see some of his family members and friends since he left home.

"A small town like this, I was not expecting this many people. It's amazing that they all got this together for me," Smith said.

Smith says he's happy to be home, and says he wants to spend as much time as he can with the people he loves.

Two weeks ago, Corporal Smith was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan. He says it's an honor he will never forget.