A Soldier Returns Home: Sgt. Mike Doody Back From Afghanistan

He patrols the jagged, snow-capped mountains of what's been called one of the most dangerous places on earth, assisting in humanitarian aid, doing what he can to ensure school children are taken care of–rebuilding a nation that has been besieged by war for over 30 years.

He lost his best friend in combat and hadn't seen friends or family for what felt like ages, but Army Airborne Sgt. Mike Doody said sacrifices come with the territory.

After a layover in Germany following a one-year deployment to Afghanistan, one of Ridgewood's heroes returned. And he received a welcome he couldn't have possibly imagined.

Doody, who was just promoted to sergeant, expected a nice dinner with girlfriend and fellow RHS grad Lauren Cozza on a blustery Thursday night. They'd returned from Germany, where Doody had been stationed following his tour in Afghanistan and nearly didn't make it back due to the weather.

Instead, he found himself surrounded by nearly 100 friends, family members and Ridgewood veterans at the on N. Maple for a welcome home surprise party, organized by Cozza.

"It's hard to go away and do what we do for a year," said Doody as friends and fellow servicemen interrupt to thank him for what he does, shaking hands, hugging; spilling beer and smiles.

"Thank you for letting me be free to be what I can be," shouted Jim Kostro, a Ridgewood-raised Marine as the two hugged while crowds congregated all around them.

"But when you get home...seeing this, it's great. I couldn't ask for better," Doody finished.

More than an army of one

"I always wanted to join [the armed forces]," said Doody, who enlisted in 2008 after attending college at Hofstra University in Long Island. "There's a certain satisfaction that I get for doing something for my country."

Doody's father, Jack, who had previously seen his son in July after not seeing him for two years, said he's able to keep in touch through Facebook and e-mail, and like everyone else there, was glad to see him back.

Although he wouldn't be opposed to another occupation, the father said he fully supports his son's decision to join the army. "I'm thrilled to death for him," he said. "It's almost unheard of to get to sergeant in two years," he said, a testament to his son's ability and leadership as a soldier.

"I just trust in him and his training that he's safe."

Sacrifice

"I don't think people realize the sacrifice they [armed servicemen and women] make," said friend Stephen Mellish of Midland Park. "We're happy he's back safe and sound after serving our country and doing us proud."

Although it was his welcome home party, Doody said it was important that his fellow servicemen there be recognized for what they also do.

Kostro, Jesse Canella (US Marines), Adam Dorl (US Army), Amy McCambridge (US Marines), Mark Steppe (US Army), Chris Eidschun (US Coast Guard), Matt Bombace (US Marines), Chris Wardley (US Navy) all attended the party.

The sergeant spoke of the unspoken bond he and his fellow armed forces members have, along with the commitment and honor they have to serve the nation.

Doody asked for a moment of silence to recognize the four members of his division who were killed in combat, including his best friend, Sgt. Vinson Adkinson, who died on Aug. 31, 2010.  

"He was my best friend and a huge inspiration for me," Doody said by e-mail a few days later, adding he wished his friend could have been there celebrating at the party.

"He is a huge reason why I still do what I do for this country. I miss him every day."

Surprises

Despite well over 100 Facebook invites sent out by Cozza, no one let the cat out of the bag. "I think it shows how great his friends are to not spill the beans," she said.

And it wasn't the only surprise of the evening. As of that night, the two each have new Facebook statuses: the pair, who have been dating for seven months but have "known each other forever," said Cozza, are now engaged to be married.

The two don't have a specific date planned out, but Cozza said they're likely shooting for late summer of 2011.

But for now, each said they're going to savor their time together before Doody leaves again on Jan. 15.

"It's such a relief to have him back knowing he's safe. We communicate through Skype while he's overseas but it's just not the same," Cozza said.

"We'll have a sad goodbye in January," Cozza said.

Having reenlisted for another four years, Doody will hit infantry school and then will take the Ranger Assessment Program afterwards to meet his next challenge–special forces. Given his history, it wouldn't be wise to bet against Sgt. Doody.