A soldier returns from Iraq

Port Aransas is invited to give one of its own a hero's welcome home on Father 's Day, Sunday, June 15.

John McCall, a member of the Port Aransas High School Class of 2001, will arrive after 11 months in Iraq for a leave of about 10 days.

McCall, an E3 in the U.S. Army, was waiting earlier this week for it to quit raining mud, literally, so that he could fly out of Iraq to Kuwait on the first leg of his journey home, according to his sister, Siobhan Templeton.

The plan, subject to change, is to for friends, family and anyone else to meet at the ferry at 6:30 p.m. Sunday to wave flags and honk horns to herald McCall's return.

The fire department, police and constables will be on hand to salute the soldier's return.

McCall will be escorted to The Crazy Cajun Restaurant where owner Phyllis Layne will open the garden area for a welcome home party for friends and family.

Templeton said her brother misses his nieces the most, and is looking forward to relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

Changes in McCall's itinerary are possible, and will be posted on the South Jetty's Web site, www.portasouthjetty.com.