KENNEWICK — After two years in Iraq, Lauren Luvaas was expecting a small reception welcoming him back to his job as a custodian at Highlands Middle School in Kennewick.
Instead, the Washington Army National Guard captain was greeted Monday by scores of students cheering, clapping and waving handmade signs with messages such as “Thank you, Mr. Luvaas” and “We missed you.”
Luvaas has worked at Highlands about 15 years. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 with the 81st Brigade Combat Team and stayed after other brigade members returned home because he voluntarily extended his tour.
Luvaas told the Tri-City Herald he was a a little embarrassed by all the fuss, but it was good to be home. He gave the school a flag that flew over his base in Iraq.
Information from: Tri-City Herald, www.tri-cityherald.com
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