Capt. Patrick Lane of Menands, N.Y., returned home Tuesday night after being injured in Iraq. The Troy Record has an account of the welcome he received–a welcome that so many soldiers of another era never got:

Lane received a hero’s welcome Tuesday night when his plane touched down at Albany International Airport after spending several weeks recuperating from a long list of combat injuries at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C…

The 27-year-old Watevliet High School graduate said the reception he received upon his return was overwhelming and makes risking his life for his country all the more worthwhile.

“When you step off that plane and people are waving the American Flag, it makes the hard times, bad food and cold showers in Iraq all worth it,” said Lane, who has spent 5 1/2 years in the military. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world.”

Lane says the feeling is extra special because he knows that so much of what Americans see on television about the war is negative. “It’s challenging for them because they see so much of the bad things on TV, but they don’t see the American heart that’s in Iraq helping its people get water and electricity,” said Lane. “A lot of people there are very happy to be liberated from such a ruthless dictator, and they know they’re better off…”

Thanks for the unfiltered, firsthand account, Capt. Lane. And thank you for your service.

(Hat tip: Reader Ann Shaughnessy)