Soldier returns to Fox River Grove home

From the Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 edition of the Northwest Herald:

Soldier returns to Fox River Grove home
By DIANA SROKA - dsroka@nwherald.com

FOX RIVER GROVE – Temperatures were in the 30s, and it was windy. Even people who bundled up were shivering.

But that didn't even faze Army Spc. Eric Kottman, who received a warm welcome home Saturday when he returned to Fox River Grove after serving for a year in Iraq.

He was offered a jacket to keep warm as he greeted a crowd gathered at Lions Park. But he refused – citing a rule that only military attire can be worn – and focused his attention on long-awaited hugs with family.

"It feels amazing," said Kottman, 21. "I'm glad to be home."

Kottman and family members, who picked him up at O'Hare airport in the morning, were escorted into town in full fanfare. Fox River Grove police and firefighters blared the sirens on their vehicles as they drove toward the park, where they gathered. A crowd of motorcyclists from Warriors' Watch Riders and Patriot Guard Riders rumbled nearby, with large American flags that were hung on their bikes waving in the wind.

"I was very surprised; I had no idea this was going to happen," Kottman said.

The crowd broke out in applause and cheers as Kottman began doling out hugs and greeting family and friends.

Kottman graduated from Cary Grove High School in 2005 and attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville for a year and a half before enlisting.

His time at home will be short. He leaves today to report back to duty Monday morning, but he will get to spend four days at home starting Thursday.

His sister, Rebecca, was thrilled to see him Saturday.

"I was worried, but I [am] glad to have him home," she said. "I'm proud of him."