Cpl. John Conrad, 25, and Cpl. Richard Cranton, 24, returned from their first tour of duty. The two soldiers spent six months in Afghanistan before coming back to Thunder Bay on Monday and said it is good to be home.
"It was a long trip back but it was definitely worth it," Conrad said. "I plan to sleep right now and then enjoy some camping. Northwestern Ontario is the best place to be."
Conrad said he felt nervous going to Afghanistan for the first time and said he didn’t know what to expect. After a few days, he became more confident and at ease with the surroundings.
"You get comfortable with the guys you are working with and by the end of it, it’s just another job," he said. "Being a soldier is all I wanted to do since I was a kid. Join the army and going somewhere like that, do my job and come home alive."
Cranton said he appreciated being home more after spending half a year away. He said his time in Afghanistan was a great learning experience.
Before their arrival, family and friends waited at the Thunder Bay International Airport to welcome the soldiers back home. The Thunder Bay Scottish Regiment unveiled a large banner to welcome the soldiers.
Irene Conrad said her son always played soldier when he was younger. She said Conrad’s career started when he enrolled into a military co-op program offered at the former Hillcrest High School.
"His nickname was GI John," Irene said. "There was always a backpack and a toy gun in his hand. I’m thrilled they are coming home."
As a parent, Irene said she worried about John’s safety but felt confident he would be OK on his first tour of duty.
Trina Heasman, 23, waited anxiously Monday morning for her boyfriend Cranton to come through the arrival doors. A corporal with the Thunder Bay Scottish Regiment, she said she didn’t go over seas but understood what kind of experience Cranton went through.
"I’m glad it’s over," Heasman said.