Tyler Sirovy Returns Home To Hero’s Welcome
Tyler Sirovy with his mom Sara Crosby just moments after returning home.
Deep River, Iowa – Oskaloosa native Tyler Sirovy returned to the area yesterday afternoon to an escort of fire trucks from Malcom, Montezuma and Deep River. He was also escorted by Poweshiek County Deputies, several friends, family, and representatives of the Patriot Guard.
The procession lined up at exit 191 near Malcom, with the group driving South on 63. They entered Montezuma with sirens blaring, alerting the town to the arrival of the caravan. The group turned left onto Highway 85 and drove through the middle of Montezuma to waving flags and well wishers.
From Montezuma the group continued East on Highway 85 to the small town of Deep River, Iowa. Deep River is the home of Tyler’s mother Sara Crosby, who has been with Tyler since he arrived in Texas for medical care.
Deep River rolled out the red carpet, with the residents lining the streets holding flags in honor of Tyler’s return. The group made a right hand turn into the heart of Deep River, where members of the Legion and VFW, adults, and children all assembled to wave flags in support of one of their own.
I asked Sara Crosby how it felt to have him home. “Oh my goodness, wonderful; it’s good to be home.”
Tyler said, “Feels good to be home.” I asked him what he thought of his welcome back home, “This is pretty amazing, it’s a good way to come home. I feel honored by all the support.”
Family and friends moved in quickly to surround Tyler, welcoming him home.
Tyler’s mom, Sara, says that he will be home for 2 weeks, “then we go back and get more treatment.” Sara says that he is doing good with his treatment, “He hopes to get 100% full recovery and go back to it.” Sara goes on to say there are no plans while he is home, “relax and do a little family time.”
Tyler suffered his injuries on June 7, 2011 when an IED detonated, destroying the MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle he and 3 others were in, while on patrol, that was in the process of returning to camp. The four soldiers were traveling in the protected vehicle when the IED was detonated under their MRAP. All four soldiers were injured in the attack. Tyler and his team members were taken to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.
He suffered a broken jaw and an injury from biting through his tongue. He fractured one leg, his right lower arm is fractured, and he has a fractured vertebrae in his lower back. Other injuries include a bruised brain. Because of the head injury, he is suffering from some short term memory loss.
