A Valley family is now complete after their soldier returns from his third tour of Iraq.
It was a moment Lucinda Reyna had been waiting for over the past 12 months.
Her son, Cpl. Martin Perez arrived home Saturday morning at the McAllen Miller International Airport.
Reyna said she was extremely happy to have him home and that she has a lot to be thankful for. “[I’m] thanking God he's safe and back with his family."
Nearly 40 family members, all wearing customized shirts with Perez’s photo, were at the airport ready to give him a big welcome.
"I'm just glad to be home, surprised that everyone is here,” Cpl. Martin Perez told Action 4 News. “It a great feeling you know being apart from them for so long, it's good to be home again."
Perez was one of many Valley soldiers making their way home that day, just in time for Christmas.
"Were just really happy to have him back, and us as a family getting together which is the best thing, especially over the holidays," his cousin Tina Saenz added.
Cpl. Perez said that what he looks forward to most is spending time with his family, especially his son. He also has a special message for the other soldiers waiting to get home.
"I just hope they get home soon, be safe out there and enjoy the time you have here," he said.
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