Sgt. Matthew Krumwiede returns home

Well-wishers gathered in Pocatello’s Upper Ross Park Sunday afternoon to welcome home 22-year-old Sgt. Matthew Krumwiede.

Krumwiede has been at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio for the past two years receiving treatment after he stepped on an IED while serving in Afghanistan. He lost both his legs, a couple of fingers and fractured his pelvis and arm.

Sunday he returned home for the first time since he was injured. Crowds awaited his arrival at the airport.

“It was great to be able to walk in front of my friends and stuff because I know some of them — the last time they seen me I was in the hospital, and so, like, having them see me walking out and everything just give everyone a chance to see what I’ve been able to do in the past two years,” said Krumwiede.

“We’re just really excited that he’s finally able to come home,” said Hiedi Young, with the State of Idaho Military Division.

After spending a week in Pocatello, Young said Krumwiede will be heading back to San Antonio “for probably another 8 to 12 months.”

“I’m just gonna hang out with my friends and my family and just relax,” said Krumwiede.

At Sunday’s benefit, organziers raised money for renovations to the Krumwiede home that they’ll need to accommodate Matthew Krumwiede.

Krumwiede told Local News 8 he’ll be in Pocatello until July 7.