Local soldiers Anthony Villalon and Mark Procopio were welcomed home with flags, waves, hugs and handshakes in downtown Hollister on Monday, earning the hero’s welcome they earned by serving their country in Afghanistan.
Photographer Joshua Miller was on hand for BenitoLink as Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 and local law enforcement and fire personnel lined San Benito Street with family and friends of Villalon and Procopio. Emotions were high as the soldiers’ family and friends got to hug them for the first time in months. Other well-wishers offered handshakes and words of thanks for the pair, who were happy to be on familiar ground.
Villalon was deployed to Afghanistan in April 2015 for a nine-month tour. He returned to the United States in January and says he plans to re-enlist in the Army. Procopio was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. He returned for a second tour of duty in April 2015. He said he plans to re-enlist in the Army and will report to Fort Carson in Colorado later this year.
Downtown Hollister flag poles include the names of local citizens who are deployed with the military. The Veterans’ Memorial Building at Seventh and San Benito streets served as the welcoming spot for Monday’s impromptu ceremony.
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