Soldier returns home to Fox River Grove

Sgt. Nate Cassidy kisses his nephew, Logan Rymzsa, 5-months-old, during his homecoming celebration Wednesday in Fox River Grove. Yesterday was the first time Rymzsa has met his uncle. Cassidy returned home from Iraq but in three weeks will be stationed in Germany for six months. (Lauren M. Anderson – landerson@nwherald.com)

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FOX RIVER GROVE – Army Sgt. Nate Cassidy returned home to much fanfare after serving for 14 months in Iraq.

More than 100 people turned out along Algonquin Street in Fox River Grove on Wednesday to welcome Cas­sidy. Others stood out on Route 14 to watch the long procession of police, fire and motorcycles that escorted him home.

Neighbors, friends, and family waved flags and cheered when Cassidy arrived shortly after 5 p.m.

Cassidy, 25, was stationed in Baghdad, where he and the members of his unit sought and destroyed improvised explosive devices along roadways. It was a dangerous job, and his family prayed continually, they said.

Cassidy felt their prayers.

“God had His hand on me and everyone I worked with,” said Cassidy, who graduated from Cary-Grove High School.

Eight of Cassidy’s 10 siblings – Jon, Becki, Rachel, Colleen, Joshua, Caleb, Abby, and Sam – were at the family home to greet their brother. Nate Cassidy was the sixth of 11 children born to parents Jonathan and Linda Cassidy.

Brother Steven and sister Alison were out of state and unable to attend.

“We’re a very close family,” said sister Becki Skol, 34, of Cary.

Nate Cassidy said he was overwhelmed by the welcome he received.

“It was absolutely amazing,” he said the crowd that gathered near his home. “It is breathtaking.”

Family members said they missed Nate dearly and only were able to talk to him on the phone occasionally. Given the nature of his work in Iraq, it was hard for the Cassidy family.

“It was very difficult,” Linda Cassidy said. “You can imagine how exciting that is for a mother.”

Nate Cassidy said he was glad to be back with his wife, Tanya, and son, Artem. He said it would be difficult to adjust to life as a civilian.

In three weeks Nate Cassidy plans to head to Germany for six months. There he will continue his service in the Army. After that, he will likely return to the United States.

“I’m done with Iraq for now,” he said.

Nate Cassidy thanked all those who sent him care packages, supported his family, and helped welcome him home.

“It was like something you would see on TV,” he said. “Thank you all.”