A “Welcome Home” banner with Nick’s photo was hung over the front steps of the bank while inside balloons and decorations greeted Nick as he was greeted by several people from the community.
“It’s great to have him home,” his mother, Marilyn Tate said. “I can sleep now.”
Nick was wounded by an IED while serving overseas and returned home June 22 just in time to celebrate his two and a half-year anniversary with his wife, Jessica. His family drove to Fort Hood in Texas for the welcome home ceremony.
Jessica said there was a lot of waiting before the family could see Nick.
“It’s been quite an adventure,” Jessica said.
She said the family has gone through an emotional roller coaster because they were full of pride, but scared for Nick’s safety at the same time while he was in Afghanistan.
Soon to receive a Purple Heart, Nick said he was relieved to be at home with his family again.
“It’s good seeing they’re all well,” he said. “Now it’s time to slow down a bit and give my wife the chance to breathe.”
Tom Tate, Nick’s dad, said his son has wanted to be in the military and serve his country since he was 10 years old.
Although Tom wanted him to be in the Air Force, Nick had dreams of being in the Army.
However, Tom said the military has progressed a lot. While many men died waiting for treatment in past wars, today soldiers have immediate medical assistance.
“It saves lives,” Tom said.
Nick’s injury will prevent him from returning to the Middle East. He said he would most likely have a desk job from now on.
Community support
Patriot State Bank’s Vice President and Human Resources Director Cindy Overman said staff at the bank followed Nick while he was in Afghanistan through letters and by staying in contact with his family.
“I think this is part of what our bank is all about,” Overman said.
She said staff members know Nick through his brother, Josh, who works at Patriot State Bank and wanted to show their appreciation for his service to the United States.
“He’s a hometown boy so we just wanted to give him a hometown welcome,” she said.
During the reception, staff members each welcomed Nick home and said thank you to Nick.
Memories of war
Nick said he enjoyed hearing from his family while he was away because he missed them all so much.
Other than his family, Nick said he missed the North Carolina landscape.
“I missed pine trees,” he said.
His favorite memory from Afghanistan was relaxing with the other soldiers.
Nick liked the dance-offs the soldiers had while listening to music from “Night at the Roxbury.”
“It’s relaxing and it’s funny,” Nick said.
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