Gainesville says 'welcome home' to LCpl. Sean Adams

GAINESVILLE - Lance Corporal Sean Adams is home.

Hundreds gathered at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport in Gainesville Friday night to give a hero's welcome to the 19-year-old U.S. Marine who lost both legs and suffered other injuries in Afghanistan earlier this year.

The private jet bringing Adams to Gainesville originally was scheduled to land at 6:30 p.m., but there were several delays and the Hall County Marine did not arrive until around 8:00 p.m.

The delays did not dampen the spirits of those who waited at the airport for Adams' official homecoming. He was able to travel to Gainesville over Mother's Day weekend to see his mother, but that visit was a surprise, so few knew he would be home.

His brother Josh Adams said the family is grateful for the support they've received from the community.

"I'm getting goose bumps here just looking at all the people that, you know, might not even have a clue who my brother is...but they're just coming out because they're a Marine or they just want to come out and say thank you," said Josh Adams prior to his brother's arrival. "You know, it's awesome."

The Marine's other brother, Curtis Adams, accompanied Sean on his trip home and even carried him from the plane to his waiting wheelchair.

After the 19-year-old Chestatee High School graduate had a chance to hug his family and friends, he spoke to Atlanta TV reporters.

"I went to Afghanistan. I fought for myself, my family, my country, the Corps, and now, I'm fighting for my life," he said.

After he finished with his media interview, he took the time to go from person to person in the large crowd, giving hugs and handshakes to those who had come to welcome him home.

Sean Adams will be in Gainesville for only a few days, but while he is here, he will participate in several Memorial Day events, including Monday's parade in Gainesville.