May 30, 2005 -- Although, Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers, the Aguilar family feels lucky to have their soldier alive and well. But SFC Aguilar knows too well the reality that many of his fellow soldiers were killed in Iraq.

SFC Francisco Aguilar- 1st Infantry Division, "Sometimes you never think you'll see the people again but hopefully you will like today I did."

Sergeant First Class Francisco Aguilar was in Iraq for a year and encountered several close-calls.

Aguilar, "We're getting ready for a mission for Somara, before we left on that mission they started hitting us with mortar rounds."

That incident back in August 2004 left Aguilar with shrapnel wounds to his face and was in the hospital for three days. His valor and his performance in Iraq earned him the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Aguilar, "Those metals I received are something I never thought I would receive in my whole career."

Narciso Aguilar- Frank's Father, "I couldn't tell you with words, we're so proud of him, he's been in the Army since he was 17."

Aguilar's father also an Army veteran took the whole family to meet his son at the airport this morning. It was a sight they hadn't seen in over two years.

Narciso Aguilar, "We're glad that he's back, we're thankful to God and to the Virgen De Guadalupe for taking care of him."

Narciso Aguilar knows the pain of having a loved one at war. And Aguilar has seen it for himself.

Aguilar, "From my whole task force quite a few passed away in Iraq."

He says in recent years Memorial Day has taken a new meaning for him.

Aguilar, "It reminds me about the people who are back in Iraq and hopefully they're going all right and that they come home safe."

SFC Aguilar will be in El Paso for three weeks. Then he and his wife and kids will transfer to Fort Knox from Germany.

His family is planning to take him to Puerto Penasco and Elephant Butte for a vacation.