Welcoming a Hero Home

The Northeast Cobb community is getting ready for the homecoming of Cpl. Todd Love. Love is a Recon Marine who suffered severe injuries sustained from an IED explosion while on duty in Afghanistan in October. As a result of the explosion, Love lost parts of both legs and his left arm.

Love is an Acworth native, a Kell High School graduate, and he also attended . His father said both schools will be present at Saturday's homecoming.

"I can't be more excited about my son coming home," said Gary Love, father of the corporal. "We wanted to make sure he gets the warm welcome he deserves."

Acworth Police Chief Michael Wilkie confirmed this afternoon that Love will be flown into McCollum Airport between 1 p.m. and 1:30 on Saturday.

"He was sent to Afghanistan last April," said Gary Love. "This would be his first time coming home."

Following the welcome at the airport, the Patriot Guard, several military support groups, local motorcycle groups, and the along with other local police jurisdictions will escort Love from the airport to in Acworth. The departure route will be Old U.S. Hwy 41/Georgia 293 through Kennesaw and Acworth to Dallas Landing Park.

Residents who are not able to ride along, but would like to be part of the homecoming, can stand alongside Kennesaw Main Street or Acworth Main Street, as Love travels through the downtown areas of both cities.

"Corporal Love is a true hometown hero," said Tommy Allegood, Mayor of Acworth. "We're really excited about rolling out the red carpet for him."

Gary Love said his son is a third generation Marine, and has followed the family foot steps to serve his country.

"He has sacrificed a lot for this country, and we should all show our respect and patriotism." said Gary Love.

"We are grateful that we have someone to point to and be able to say, that's our hero." said Allegood.