Two Soldiers Welcomed Home

Citizens from all over Van Zandt County came together to celebrate the homecoming of Canton and Van soldiers home on leave.

Staff Sergeant Matthew Willoughby of Canton who is serving with the U.S. Army, served with the Marine Corp for 12 years and was involved in the original assault of Bagdad, Iraq.

While in the Marine Corp, Willoughby received a Unit Citation for service during the Albania Embassy evacuation.

Willoughby recently completed his second tour in Iraq. His unit is being deactivated (standing down).

He is an expert marksman, demolition expert, and is now serving his third year in the North Carolina National Guard.

Willoughby is a 1994 graduate of Canton High School. He is an avid hunter and fisherman.

Before his military service he was a Canton volunteer fire fighter, and worked with the department in handing out donated items collected in Van Zandt County. He is presently a fire fighter and paramedic on base in North Carolina.

Willoughby was joined at the reception by his wife Amy, children Katylyn, Kyle and Elizabeth.

Also, joining him were his parents Charlotte and Richard Willoughby, sister Kamra Reid and uncle Jim Hays.

Private First Class Travis Fisher of Van who is serving with the U.S. Army was recently promoted to Specialist. He is serving with the 1-502/101AB.

He is currently home from Khadamia, Iraq, on an 18-day leave.

Fisher has been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Army Achievement Medal among many other awards.

He graduated from Van High School in 1999.

While in school he worked on a NASA Project and received second overall. He was an active bull rider with the Lone Star High School Rodeo Association, and is a welder by trade.

Fisher was joined by his wife Mandi, and children Hunter, Garrett, B.J. and Jasper.

Also, present were his parents Becky and Yachima "Boots" Fisher, and grandfather Lt. Colonel Dennis Williard Hill (retired).

Fisher’s brother Dennis is currently serving in Iraq.

"From the Whitehouse to city hall we want to show them how much we appreciate them," Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches said.

Both soldier’s were honored with tokens of appreciation for their service to our country including proclamations from Renee Doring representing Congressman Jeb Hensarling’s office, Janice Melton from State Representative Dan Flynn’s Office, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9171 District Commander Harry Fontenot, American Legion Post 63 Jerry Farris, Neches River Chapter Daughter of the American Revolution Sandra Carter, Van Zandt County Judge Rhita Koches, and the city of Canton Debbie Phillips.

Van Mayor Billy Wilson and Van City Administrator Gary McDaniel presented a special proclamation to Fisher on behalf of the city of Van.

Canton High School Principal Joe Nicks expressed his appreciation to both soldiers saying, "Canton ISD appreciates your service to our country."

"It is nice to have one of our own who has gone off and done good things for our country," Nicks said as he shook Willoughby and Fisher’s hands.

At the conclusion of the dinner both soldier’s expressed their appreciation to those in attendance.

"Thank you, this is amazing," Willoughby said. "So many guys come home and they don’t have anything like this."

"I feel very honored and I really appreciate it…" he continued. "I also don’t want to forget the one who didn’t come home."

"This is awesome," Fisher said. "…Ya’ll make it worth it."