Claiborne County Marine Cody Evans welcomed home

By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter

CUMBERLAND GAP (WATE) - A Claiborne County Marine injured in Afghanistan came home Saturday to a hero's welcome.

Lance Cpl. Cody Evans, of Speedwell, was severely injured in December when an IED explosion caused the amputation of both of his legs. Since that time he has been recovering at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Maryland.

Evans was able to make a short visit home in April, but this time the community was ready for something much bigger.

Organizers of this year's White Lightning Trail Festival knew they wanted to do something to honor Evans. They decided to make this year's parade a homecoming parade for Evans.

"We just want to welcome him home, and wish him the best of health and a speedy recovery," said festival director Carl Nichols.

Evans got to participate in the parade by riding on top of a military hummer. He was able to show the crowd his remarkable recovery by walking to the stage.

"It was a lot more than I thought it was going to be," said Evans. "Actually I knew there was going to be people here, but getting to see a lot of people I haven't seen in awhile, even last time I was here."

After the parade, Evans was presented a special proclamation from Tennessee State Senator Mike Faulk.

Evans says his recovery is going very well, and hopes to be back home permanently very soon.

"It's getting better," said Evans. "I've gotten different legs now, walking is easier. I can walk further."

Evans family says they really appreciate the community's support.

"Like I said a thousand times before, Claiborne County is the best place I've ever lived in my life," said Evans' grandmother Lillie Mae Evans.

"Everybody putting this together for me means the world to me," said Evans during the ceremony.

Evans will get to stay in Speedwell for two weeks before returning to Maryland to finish his recovery. Right now, he is unsure when he will be back to Tennessee after this visit.