Army Lt. Samuel Van Kopp is back in Bakersfield, after landing at Meadows Field Tuesday morning. The 25-year old is on a 30-day leave from Walter Reed Medical Center after surviving a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan. Even though his flight was delayed overnight, the crowd was right on time to welcome him home.
They were carrying flags and banners, hundreds of people made up of veterans and supporters gathered around the arrival gate for Lt. Van Kopp. When it seemed like all of the passengers had arrived, the man they were looking for rounded the corner, seeming unaware that all of the fanfare was for him, until the applause.
Lt. Van Kopp looked truly humbled by the homecoming. The Bakersfield High School graduate was critically wounded in a suicide bomb attack. A ball bearing shot into his brain and remains lodged there. Although his vision and balance aren't fully restored, he was held up by hugs and the many well wishes for which he thanked everyone.
"Thank you all very much," said Lt. Van Kopp. "This is a town of great heart and I really appreciate you coming out, especially with the delay and everything. God bless you all and have a Merry Christmas."
One of the first to greet Lt. Van Kopp, was Lance Corporal Joshua Brubaker who received a similar homecoming on Sunday.
"I came here two days ago," said Brubaker to Van Kopp.
Entire families came out to see this one family come together again in time for the holidays.
"Ah, it's been truly miraculous," said Samuel's Father, Cliff Van Kopp, holding back tears, "Because he shouldn't have made it out of Afghanistan. So, we're really pleased."
"It's always great to come back home," said Lt. Van Kopp. "I mean you buy the tickets and you get on the plane and you know you are coming home, but it's always a special feeling when you get on the ground."
On the ground and home, into the arms of a community that couldn't be more proud.
"They lay their life on the line for a country for people they don't even know, but they do it," said Krista Hoffman, who came out to welcome Lt. Van Kopp home.
"He went so to me he's a hero," said Joe Hernandez, Vietnam veteran. "He didn't have to go, but he did. So, that makes him a hero to me."
"Oh, it's spectacular," said Van Kopp of the turnout. "Like I said, it's a city of great heart, and so, I'm overwhelmed."
Lt. Van Kopp says he will return to Walter Reed Medical Center after his 30-day leave for a few months to have more tests done. Doctors will decide if he can rejoin his unit or change to another branch. Van Kopp says he would prefer to stay with the Army and continue to serve.