Crime & Safety

Welcome Home: Air Force Sergeant Greeted by Parade of Patriots

Home from Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Vahl is welcomed home by a parade of well-wishers.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Jonathan Vahl was welcomed home Thursday with a parade of patriots. The 27-year-old New Lenox man completed his fourth tour of duty overseas.

The latest tour was in Afghanistan and the other three were in Iraq. His family received word two days ago that he would be arriving at Midway Airport around 5:30 p.m.

Members of the New Lenox Fire Protection District, the Patriot Guard, the New Lenox Police Department and the Emergency Services the Disaster Agency prepared to greet the man with U.S. flags, lots of cheers and flashing lights. The best greeting of all, though, came from family hugs.

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Vahl's wife, Jessica, 27, met her husband at the airport and brought him to a surprise welcome home parade. The chilly night air failed to keep away about 40 people at the Kmart parking lot on W. Route 30 from cheering the man who has sacrificed much to serve his country. 

When asked what he missed most while he was away, he smiled and responded, 'family," grasping his wife hand even tighter. 

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His wife of two years, Jessica said she seems to deal well the deployments. "It's like a vacation when he gets home." The couple has two dogs. 

While waiting for guest of honor to arrive, Vahl's father, Mark Vahl, spoke proudly about his son's military career. A Lincoln-Way Central High School graduate, Vahl went into the service at the age of 18. "He was always interested in the military."

Having been separated from his oldest son intermittently throughout his military career, today Mark Vahl was as excited as a kid waiting in line to see Santa Claus.

"I think it's great that he's home. I haven't seen him for 6 months. I can't wait to give him a big hug."

Cassandra Vahl, Jonathan's mother, said this last deployment was easier than the others. This time the family had Skype, so they could see and talk to him. The other tours seemed longer.

The local leader of the a group of military supporters that honors existing troops and veterans, Calvin Jordan of New Lenox organized the dozen motorcycle riders. 

While waiting for the guest of honor to arrive, Jeff Butler, a member of remembered Vahl from high school. The two were in ROTC together and graduated in 2005. Speaking of Jonathan, he said, "He always liked the riffle team."

Surrounded by well-wishers, the local hero said the welcome ceremony was a surprise. "It's exciting. This was great. ...I feel great."

Home for only 30 day, Vahl will  report back to base right after Christmas. He said he's likely going to make the military a career. "We'll see how it goes." 

With lights flashing, the well-wishers escorted the Vahl Family home. Standing in front of his family's ranch home, he stood for photos and thanked the crowd.


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