Hundreds turn out for wounded warrior homecoming - WSMV Channel 4

Surrounded by a sea of flags, more than 100 bikes and a huge crowd of Patriot Guard riders, Army Chief Warrant Officer Scott Schroeder stepped out at Clarksville's Governor's Square Mall to thunderous applause Sunday.

"Everybody, thanks for coming out," Schroeder said to the crowd. "Thank you so much."

From there, Schroeder and the riders went thundering toward Beechaven Winery, where family, friends and other members of the community waited with a grand homecoming ceremony.

"You see all those bikes, and you see all those flags, and you see all these people here waiting for you to pull in," said Schroeder. "As much as you try to prepare yourself, you still feel that pride deep down inside."

A 25-year war veteran, Schroeder was in Afghanistan in December 2010 when his Humvee hit an IED. Losing both of his legs to the blast, Schroeder began an 18-month rehabilitation, undergoing more than 30 surgeries.

Standing with his wife Laura in front of his homecoming crowd, Schroeder listened to a message read by his 17-year-old son, Zach.  

"My hero is a strong role model and a friend," Zach read. "My hero is a hero to a lot of other people too. My hero is my dad."

"I'm finally home, and it's just unexplainable that so many people care so much," said Schroeder. "It's a great feeling."

There was yet another surprise at the homecoming. Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers declared July 22 as Scott Schroeder Day.