Soldier Welcomed Home

It was a real surprise for Staff Sergeant Clifton Daniels when he was picked up Monday night by Wills Point Police and escorted to a flag waving crowd of friends and family to welcome him home.

Daniels is back after a third deployment, his second overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Serving with the Army National Guard 636 Military Intelligence from the Austin Unit, Daniels has received numerous military awards and honors which include: Meritorious Service Medal, NATO/ ISAF Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Texas Federal Service Medal, Texas Combat Action Ribbon, "Arcom" Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, Operation Nobel Eagle II, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Daniels graduated in 1984 from Wills Point High School. He returned to Fort Hood in July and is currently at home in Wills Point. He is employed with AT&T.

He was joined at the Welcome Home Soldier dinner by his wife Tammy; children Jacob, Shelbi, Zachary, Andrea and Sarah; father Clifton Daniels; mother Linda McLemore; brothers and sister Bobby, John and Tamara; and grandparents Ruth Magee and Lillie Daniels.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr. welcomed everyone attending and told Daniels, "This is just a small way for us to welcome you home tonight. Thank you and know that you are our hero."

Attending the special ceremony was Tyrone Hunter with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Dallas.

"This is really beautiful," Hunter said of the ceremony. "We learned from past wars that we need to be here for our soldiers when they return home."

Daniels was presented certificates of appreciation from Janice Melton on behalf of State Representative Dan Flynn, Van Zandt County Precinct 3 Commissioner Duanne Harvey on behalf of Van Zandt County, Daughters of the American Revolution Sandra Carter, Renee Doring on behalf of Congressman Jeb Hensarling, Wills Point ISD Superintendent Joe Oliver, Wills Point Mayor Scott McGriff, and special tokens from VFW Post 9171 member Harry Fontenot, Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial First Director Red Montgomery.

Also, a guided fishing tour of Lake Tawakoni was presented to him from Greg "Chopper" Clark.

He was also presented a coupon from Vance and Diane Brown of the Donut Shop in Wills Point, and a challenge coin holder from Patrick Ross.

Also, Jody Hanulya presented him a gift basket on behalf of the Wills Point Ladies Club.

"We appreciate all you have done and continue to do," Hanulya said.

"There are so many things that can be said..I know going to a foreign country and away from all your family has got to be horrible and you have done it three times," Montgomery said. "Thank you for what you have done for this country."

In addressing those in attendance Daniels expressed his appreciation.

"I really appreciate you coming out and your support," he said. "Coming home to this really touches me..."

Families with returning soldiers are encouraged to contact Red Montgomery at (903) 363-2501 to arrange being a part of Project Welcome Home Soldier.

Volunteers and donations to pay for the meals are needed. Donations may be sent to Project Welcome Home Soldier, 605 East Tyler Street, Canton, Texas, 75103. Checks should be made out to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial, but note on the check that it is for Project Welcome Home Soldier. No funds for the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial are used to pay for the Project Welcome Home Soldier meals.

Also, anyone interested in making a donation to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial Plaza, which is a separate project that funds the building of the memorial park set to be built at the intersection of State Highways 19 and 243, may call (903) 567-0657.

Donations may also be sent to the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial, 305 E. Tyler Street, Canton, Texas, 75103.