NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Friends and family welcomed Jon Monyahan home for the holidays after a year stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington.

 

The American Legion Post 125 hosted a homecoming for local Jon Monyahan on Tuesday, Dec. 20 marking his first visit home since joining the Army.

 

"This is my first time back since heading out last year," Monyahan said. "It’s nice to come home and see the people that have been in my life forever. It’s good to see familiar faces." 

 

Monyahan was met with a buffet and even a DJ at his celebration where he spent time catching up with longtime friends, family and legion members.

 

Monyahan graduated from Fort Benning Infantry School in Sand Hill Georgia and has been stationed in Washington as Infantry.

 

He said Army life has been an enriching experience.

 

"A year in I love it," he said. "It keeps me in shape, and I love the people I work with. It is a great group of guys."

 

He added that visiting home reminds him of one of the reasons he joined the Army: to protect those close to him.

 

Monyahan said he plans to continue to visit with friends and family before returning to Washington at the end of the year.