TRI-STATE (WFIE) -
Thursday, the Newburgh Community gathers to welcome a Tri-State soldier back home. Sergeant Shanna Hornung was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, and after two years, recovering at Ft. Campbell, she's back home, this time for good.
Shanna's homecoming celebration took place at the Newburgh American Legion Thursday afternoon. Shanna says after serving in the army, and three deployments with the Kentucky National Guard, it's her first time being welcomed back by so many excited people.
"Very touching, Sgt. Hornung said. "Everybody standing out on the sidewalks waving and the fire trucks."
August 16th, it's a day she and those who know her have been looking forward to for awhile, and aren't soon to forget.
Thursday morning, after bringing her home from Ft. Campbell, Shanna's fellow American Legion Riders and many other motorcycle groups and law enforcement escorted her from Ellis Park to the Newburgh American Legion to celebrate.
"She is a true hero and a true friend to the whole community," said friend Melody Short.
Shanna was all-smiles as friends and family welcomed her back home with open arms. After two years recovering at Ft. Campbell from 12 broken bones, including her back, she's now back on her feet.
Shanna says, as she gets out of the Army, her young niece is joining the Navy and her nephew. the Army, proving that her service truly inspires.
"I like to think that in some way I pushed her in that direction, showing her that you can do whatever you want to do, even if it is a man's world."
Friends celebrating the return of their hero, and Shanna saying, if she had to do it over, she wouldn't change a thing.
"If it keeps my children my grandchildren, his kids, his grandkids from having to go over and deal with that, I'd absolutely do it again."
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Shanna says she's most looking forward to taking some time to travel and visit family.
