My Wife’s Cousin
Posted on July 13, 2006, under Current Events.
Soldier wounded in Iraq is small town’s hero
First Lt. Bret Wellensiek came home late Monday night. The soldier from Cook kept his emotions in check as about 40 relatives, teachers, friends and loved ones greeted him just outside of security at the Lincoln Airport.
Just then, the airport passengers waiting for their luggage below broke out in applause as if to thank the soldier for serving their country.
“I swear the entire town wrote me, plus 200 I didn’t know,” he said.
Bret is a good guy. I was very sorry to hear that he and several of his men were injured, and some killed, by an IED, but I’m so glad he’s been able to receive such love from his country. I’m thankful and proud of his service to our country.
Update: BlackFive listed him as someone you should know.
Update II: Photos 7, 8 and 9 on the lower-right of this page are of Bret’s homecoming.
Update III: I found another news article that has more of the story.
Update IV: Found an interview with him about Iraq post-return: Wellensiek: Progress requires acceptance of democracy.