Surprise motorcade welcomes Naperville Marine home

Austin Smith got into his share of trouble as a teenager.

At times, his mother wondered when ­- or if - he would turn himself around and start becoming a good man.

"I always wanted my son to be something and do something great," said Cody Smith. "He was a good kid, but he had his share of problems."

But on Sunday, Cody watched through tears as her 22-year-old U.S. Marine son was honored with a surprise visit from area veterans and Naperville's fire and police departments in a ceremony welcoming Austin home.

About 35 vehicles ran a motorcade to the front door of the Smith home in Naperville. Austin, flanked by his mother on one side and his pregnant girlfriend, Katelyn Burns, on the other, stood in shock as Warriors' Watch and the Naperville American Legion Post 43 presented gifts and thanks for his service.

"I was truly overwhelmed," Austin said after the short ceremony. "I was very surprised."

Austin has twice been deployed to the Middle East. In 2008, he was sent to Anbar Province in Iraq. Earlier this year, he was in Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

"We're doing a lot of great things over there," he said. "Getting a lot of stuff done."

The timing of Austin's visit is no accident. Not only are the holidays approaching, but Austin and Burns' first child is due Thursday.

While it was not certain whether he would make it home for the birth, now that he's home, Burns said they are making the most of it.

"We were very unsure," she said. "The date changed a bunch of times. It was stressful. But we're really happy he was able to make it home."

Austin flew into Camp Lejeune, N.C., last Monday and arrived at Midway Airport on Thursday.

He will stay in Naperville through the new year and said he was scheduled to return to North Carolina on Jan. 5.

Burns and Cody Smith approached Warriors' Watch when they learned Austin was coming home. The group then put together the motorcade and worked with local police and fire for a hero's welcome.

"It's to let them know that we didn't forget them," said ride Captain Doug Askren. "We know they deserve it."

It was an emotional night for Cody Smith.

"I'm eternally grateful to God for bringing my son home safe," she said through tears. "I'm so proud of him for everything he's done."