Reymundo Valladares of Madera has been in Afghanistan for the past eight months
He says the reception he received was been overwhelming.
"It feels good, just from my family and my friends, just people that don't know me telling me thank you for serving and I just want to tell them thank you for supporting us and everybody," Valladares said.
Valladares said he looks forward to spending time with his family and friends.
He'll be home on rest for two weeks before returning to Afghanistan.