Video: Wounded Marine Thanks Community for Support

It was a joyous occasion.

Patriot Guard members turned out en masse with over 100 motorcycles as Purple Heart recipient Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Boucher arrived to cafeteria for a welcome home celebration on Saturday.

It was an opportunity for Oconee County citizens to show gratitude to Michael for his service and the Bouchers for their sacrifices, but also a chance for the family to thank the community for the support its shown since Michael was injured six months ago.

On June 12, while on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, an explosion of an IED resulted in the bilateral amputation of Michael's legs below the knee and other injuries. He has been recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

His sister, Britany, has been by his side for all but three weeks, and the two of them came home on Dec. 15, in front of Bogart City Hall.

Michael is on a 30-day convalescent leave and will return to the hospital for therapy and treatment for several more months.

During Saturday's reception, Yargo Community Concert Band performed a selection of Christmas music and patriotic tunes as attendees shook Michael's hand and welcomed him home.

donated a variety of cupcakes and NuCraft Dental Arts handed out hotdogs, chips and drinks.

"We can't possibly ever thank you enough," Jim Boucher, Michael's father, said.  "But we sure do know what community means. And this is it."

Bogart Mayor Terri Glenn said she has been praying for the family from the moment she learned of Michael's injuries.

"We rejoice because it is a happy day," she said. "Our fellow citizen, son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, grandson, classmate, and our hometown hero -- thank you."

Michael said he is grateful for all the prayers, cards and well wishes.

"I never thought the community would have my back as much as they did," he said with tears in his eyes. "I thank you, each and every one of you, for being there to support me and my family through this time and to make sure that we're all strong enough to make it through this time."

The family plans to spend Christmas in Huntsville, Alabama, at the home of Michael's maternal grandmother, Betty Krueger.

Kim Boucher, Michael's mom, said it's bittersweet because the family is blessed to spend the holiday with Michael, but still grieving the loss of his grandfather, Walt Krueger, who passed last April.

Though the community rejoices in Michael's homecoming, those servicemen and women who will not return home should be remembered, Jim Boucher said.

"Many people will be celebrating this Christmas and their son did not come home," he said. "Their daughter might not have come home."

The room fell silent in a moment of prayer.