SOUTH LONDONDERRY TOWNSHIP, LEBANON COUNTY -
Army Specialist Nicole Bahm got home from Iraq last week. She says she's thrilled to be home, but the transition to civilian life has been a whirlwind.
The 27-year-old member of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade returned to Lebanon County on Wednesday.
People lined the streets of Campbelltown, waving flags and holding signs welcoming her home as she drove through.
On Friday, her 3-year-old son's preschool arranged a special surprise party to celebrate her service.
Bahm says she never expected so much support.
"I didn't know this many people were actually doing something and cared so much to go out of their way just for me," Bahm says.
Bahm has been away since January, working on Humvees with the 2/112th Infantry outside of Baghdad.
Her return means a lot more time with her son, Cameron.
"He's teaching me more about him than I thought," Bahm says. "He's almost towering over me. It's amazing how much they grow."
With her joy, there's also a lot for Bahm to think about.
"It does get a little bit overwhelming," she says. "It feels like there are so many things to do in one day, and there are so many people to see."
Bahm says some of the best parts about being home are things you might take for granted.
"It sounds silly, but I'm enjoying the grass and the trees," she says.
Bahm has served in the Army for eight years, and she's returning to her full-time job at Fort Indiantown Gap.
She says there is one thing the public should know about the work she and her fellow soldiers are doing in Iraq.
"We are making a difference," Bahm says. "That would be the biggest point. I saw that."
The 27-year-old member of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade returned to Lebanon County on Wednesday.
People lined the streets of Campbelltown, waving flags and holding signs welcoming her home as she drove through.
On Friday, her 3-year-old son's preschool arranged a special surprise party to celebrate her service.
Bahm says she never expected so much support.
"I didn't know this many people were actually doing something and cared so much to go out of their way just for me," Bahm says.
Bahm has been away since January, working on Humvees with the 2/112th Infantry outside of Baghdad.
Her return means a lot more time with her son, Cameron.
"He's teaching me more about him than I thought," Bahm says. "He's almost towering over me. It's amazing how much they grow."
With her joy, there's also a lot for Bahm to think about.
"It does get a little bit overwhelming," she says. "It feels like there are so many things to do in one day, and there are so many people to see."
Bahm says some of the best parts about being home are things you might take for granted.
"It sounds silly, but I'm enjoying the grass and the trees," she says.
Bahm has served in the Army for eight years, and she's returning to her full-time job at Fort Indiantown Gap.
She says there is one thing the public should know about the work she and her fellow soldiers are doing in Iraq.
"We are making a difference," Bahm says. "That would be the biggest point. I saw that."
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