A Western New York soldier wounded in Iraq received a huge hero's welcome Friday.
Army Sgt. James Hackemer returned home for a visit for the first time since being injured back in March.
He lost both his legs and suffered a brain injury when the vehicle he was in hit a roadside bomb. He has been recovering at a hospital in Boston, Massachusetts ever since.
The Gowanda native says he feels so lucky just to be home. "I haven't been home in so long, it's a miracle."
Just as he got off the plane, his father pinned the honorary Purple Heart on his son's chest. He received the heart a few months ago for his injuries.
Hackemer will be home until Tuesday before going back to the hospital in Boston for additional treatment.