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Local Air Force Officer Comes Home, Looks Forward to Future

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Sep 17, 2012 at 8:09 PM MDT

Story Updated: Sep 18, 2012 at 8:02 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- A local Air Force officer arrived home to Grand Junction on Monday, surprised by a large group of family and friends. She says she is excited to be a wife, ride her motorcycle and so much more.

After arriving in Grand Junction, 1st Lt. Jamie Johnson said, "I'm headed home to see my husband, be a wife for the first time. We haven't lived together in the two years we've been married."

For nearly five months, the Grand Junction local has been serving her country in Afghanistan.

"A lot of us are just doing what the president has asked us to do, and I think it's fair to see we've been really good at following what his directives are," said Johnson.

Her father, Jim Daugherty, said, "Ever since she was in middle school she had decided that she wanted to join the Air Force. I blame that on my dad, he's both a Vietnam and Korean veteran."

Johnson's grandfather, Vaughn Daugherty, said, "From my past experience I was a little apprehensive, but I was proud."

Johnson was greeted by family, friends and American veterans.

Art Edwards, assistant state captain of the Western Slope Patriot Guard Riders, said, "The majority of us here are Vietnam vets. Many of them didn't get the welcome home that we're trying to give to these young people."

"I remember when I came home it was not even pleasant. I'm glad this nation has turned itself around on the way they treat our military," said Vaughn.

This was Johnson's first tour.

"Our unit specifically pulled out about 60 percent of our troops. The president has asked us to pull out and we've done just that," Johnson said.

She holds close the people she served with overseas.

"I walked away with some of the best friends, and in just a couple short months," she said.

But now she has some other duties to attend to.

Johnson said, "I get to spend time enjoying this amazing Colorado weather. I'm going for motorcycle rides as much as I can."

Johnson is not wasting any time now that she's home.

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Leslee O'Bryan said on Monday, Sep 17 at 10:26 PM

I LOVE YOU JAMIE!!! Miss you, but know you are happy where you are and couldn't be happier for you :)I consider you to be one of my best friends now even though I only go to know you in the three months you were here! Cannot wait to hang out in the rear!!

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