A local soldier returned from Iraq this week and a ceremony was held Saturday to honor his safe homecoming and to recognize his much appreciated war efforts.

Jayne Hanson/News-Herald Photo Local American Legion Riders, Lake Havasu City Blue Star Mothers, and Patriot Guard Riders gathered with friends and family of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derek Trubia Saturday to celebrate his recent homecoming from 15-months in Iraq. The group held hands as the patriotic song “God Bless America” played as part of the welcome ceremony.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derek Trubia is assigned to the 514th Company of the 62nd Medical Brigade and trained Iraqi soldiers during his 15-month stay in Iraq.

“We basically trained normal Iraqi soldiers to be medics, taught them advanced first aid and medical skills,” Trubia said.

Trubia was warmly welcomed by a parade of flag-flying motorcycles, horn honking, and a police escort as the motoring group arrived at Trubia’s Lake Havasu City home on Wapiti Drive.

The American Legion Riders, Lake Havasu City Blue Star Mothers and the Patriot Guard Riders gathered in the parking lot of the Montana Steak House on Maricopa to stage the ride to Trubia’s home.

After the grand arrival of the procession, Trubia was greeted in his front yard with many handshakes, a few hugs, and numerous smiles and approving nods from neighbors and supporters.

The ceremony continued when supporters joined hands to create a large circle as Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song “God Bless America” played loudly from a transported stereo system. The hand-connected group would raise their hands to the sky when the meaningful words of the song’s chorus played. Trubia held his young child in his arms as the song played.

When the song finished, supporters mounted their motorcycles or climbed into their vehicles once again to continue the moving ceremony to the American Legion Robert A. Eckert – Post 81 in Lake Havasu City. Trubia was carried to the American Legion by a military jeep in the procession.

As the guest of honor, Trubia arrived at the American Legion and stood in a military salute facing a large American Flag that embraced the wind while the National Anthem played.

Trubia and the attending supporters were invited into the American Legion for a reception of refreshments and pizza to complete the welcome home festivities.

Trubia said, he has completed his 15-month commitment in Iraq and will soon return to Ft. Lewis in Washington. In February he will be transferred to Texas as an instructor for new medics. He explained that after troops finish basic training, they then move to an advanced training. In regard to Trubia, he will teach the troops in advanced training to be Emergency Medical Technicians and combat medics.

Trubia is a five-year veteran of the U.S. Army. He is married with two children and is the son of Lake Havasu City residents Jim and June Trubia.