Wounded warrior welcomed home to West Chicago

An attack on his military vehicle in Afghanistan left West Chicago resident Josh Kerber without a left arm.

His first few sessions of physical therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., however, left him with a new perspective.

Kerber met a soldier who had lost all four limbs during the Iraq war. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, Kerber said the soldier has worked hard to become as independent as he can be. Meanwhile, he jokes often with Kerber about Kerber's less-serious injuries.

The positivity has helped Kerber cope with his situation and his recovery.

"It makes it so much easier to handle," Kerber said. "They don't know how I am healing so fast." Kerber received a hero's welcome Sunday as he visited West Chicago for the first time since surgery in October that removed his left arm. Police and fire vehicles from West Chicago and Warrenville led a 66-vehicle motorcade of friends, family and Warrior Watch Riders.

As he waved to onlookers lining the streets, Kerber said he did not think he was worthy of a parade.

"It's very touching; I'm just honored," he said. "I feel blessed to be a part of this community. I was thinking it would be five people and a keg."

Instead, roughly 400 people packed the American Legion Post 300 building in downtown West Chicago. A four-hour banquet was held in his honor and included comments from West Chicago Mayor Mike Kwasman, as well as leaders of the legion and veterans groups in the area.

Post Commander Paul Shankle said the event came together quickly for the soldier, who will remain in West Chicago until he returns Nov. 30 to Walter Reed for more therapy and surgery.

Shankle lived across the street from the Kerbers when Josh was growing up and served in the same Army division as Kerber: the 82nd Airborne.

"I couldn't be any more proud," he said. "To be a part of it and being my neighbor, it brings tears to my eyes. It's not a football hero, a basketball hero, he's just an everyday kid."