Local Military Hero Returns Home From Afghanistan [PHOTOS]

Friends, family, patriots, and members of local police and fire departments gathered in the parking lot of the Providence Town Center on Monday evening to welcome home Specialist Evan Flora, of the U.S. Army.

Members of "A Hero’s Welcome" and "Warriors Watch" joined Spc. Flora’s family in celebrating the local hero’s return after his eleven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

A Hero’s Welcome is an organization dedicated to “ensuring that all service members get the proper welcome home.” Similarly, Warriors Watch is dedicated to making sure that “deploying troops will know without a doubt that a caring America has not abandoned them” by using their motorcycles to draw attention to returning service men and women.

These two organizations and Spc. Flora’s family filled the parking lot adjacent to Raymour and Flannigan with dozens of motorcycles and American Flags while local police and fire departments decorated the outskirts of the lot with fire trucks and police vehicles.

One by-stander exiting the center’s shops inquired if she had accidentally parked in the middle of a parade – a justifiable mistake – as dozens of patriots had lined opposing sides of the lot to welcome Spc. Flora as he and his family arrived.  

As Spc. Flora exited his vehicle he was immediately greeted with welcome home messages written on banners as well as hugs and kisses from family members that formed impressively long lines through the lot.

“We are so proud of him and are so glad for him to be home. This is an amazing turn out and he deserves every bit of it,” commented his Aunt just before diving into his arms for a heartfelt embrace.

“It’s just amazing that he is home. I’m very thankful. He looks great. I am just so proud of him, and the fact that he wanted to serve our country,” added his uncle.

Spc. Flora beamed as family members and patriots took turns expressing their gratitude and pride for his dedication and service to our country.

“It’s great to be home. I plan on taking a month off to relax. I am going to do a lot of relaxing,” smiled Spc. Flora.

Warriors Watch members fired up their motorcycles into one large hum, leading the procession of vehicles from Providence Town Center back to Spc. Flora’s home at the 900 block of E. Main Street in Collegeville.

For more information on Spc. Flora, other returning member’s of the US Military forces, and A Hero’s Welcome please visit www. AHEROS-WELCOME.org or Warrior’s Watch at www. WarriorsWatch.org.