Jacksonville, Fla. -- Gunnery Sgt. John Hayes was the guest of honor at a welcome home party Sunday afternoon.

The Marine lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan in December.

He's been recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, but returned to Clay County over a week ago to spend time with friends and family.

Sgt. Hayes said the time with friends and family has helped his recovery process.

People from all over the First Coast came to see him in Orange Park Sunday afternoon.  

The Rolling Thunder roared into the small neighborhood in Oakleaf to honor Sgt. Hayes.

Hayes and his family are from Clay County.

Friends, family, and people who don't even know Hayes gathered at his father's home for a surprise party.

Hayes said a lot of the well-wishers are people he's never even met.

"This is the first time in my life I've met them, but they feel like they've known me as a part of their family forever. It's amazing. It's something else," Hayes commented.

"For me, the least I can do is welcome him home," Robert Mitchell of the Rolling Thunder said. "He paid a huge price and his family's got a long way to go."

Hayes has been married for nearly eleven years and has three daughters. He was able to come home last weekend for Mother's Day and will go back to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for more rehabilitation this week.

He said he couldn't have made it this far in his recovery without his wife.  "I'm positive I would not be alive if it weren't for the support of my wife," Hayes said.

He also said that the time spent in Clay County with family, friends, and new friends will help him as he recovers at Walter Reed.  

"It's been rejuvenating."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FCN