Wounded Iraq War veteran receives hero's welcome at DIA

Lance Corporal John T. Doody is finally back home in Colorado. But it wasn't an easy trip.

Doody was wounded in Iraq just three months after getting in-country. He was shot three times, one round shattering his leg another destroying the nerve to his foot.


But, that wasn't the worst of his injuries. While recovering at the San Diego Naval Hospital, Doody contracted a bacterial mass that wound up lining his heart. The flakes from the mass broke up and went to his brain which triggered strokes leaving his speechless, blind and paralyzed.

J.T.'s rehab is going well, he can speak and raise his arm and even move the fingers on his left hand. Great progress for sure.

J.T.'s mother, Chris, says her son's condition won't allow for him live in his home town, but his biggest wish was to come home and say thank you to all his friends and family for all their support. That's exactly what happened Wednesday night when around 200 friends, relatives, and fellow veterans greeted J.T. as he arrived at Denver International Airport.

"I am feeling much better now, in fact I feel like a million bucks," said the Marine. "I am alive and still think I can make a difference in this world!"

John, let me tell you one thing, your sacrifice and service has already made a difference my friend.