Soldier earns thanks of area congregation

Though not a native of this area, Sgt. Jessica Schneider received a hometown greeting last Sunday when she attended services at Henry's Chapel United Methodist Church in Troup.

The church has "adopted" the young soldier, who is stationed at Fort Hood and has spent the last 15 months in Iraq.

Home on leave, Schneider accompanied her aunt, Debbie Goodson, to Sunday services with the intention of thanking the church for their cards and care packages.

Instead, she was the honoree of a welcome home ceremony complete with flags, medals and a certificate.

"It was a complete and total surprise to her," said Goodson. "She thought she was going to church with me and would say thank you … It was just a very touching thing."

The event was organized by the church's ladies group and its new pastor, David Goodwin, who presented Schneider with a certificate reading, "In recognition of honorable service to our country, our state and our community, the members of the Henry's Chapel United Methodist Church salute you for the unselfish sacrifice you have made for our freedoms."

Sgt. Jessica Schneider receives a medal from a young member of the Henry's Chapel United Methodist Church. The soldier was honored with a welcome home celebration and received a certificate of appreciation.

"There are 10 members who are all prior military in our congregation," said Goodwin, "and the whole church was very proud to welcome her home."

Schneider also received several medals from the youngest members of the congregation, with each child placing a ribbon around her neck and telling her thank you for all that you have done.

"That was real nice and made her feel so good," said Goodson.

After the quick trip to Troup, Schneider returned to Fort Hood to complete paperwork for her leave. From there, she traveled to Pennsylvania to see her mom and her two young children.

Goodson said her niece now considers Texas home and might relocate to this area. A sixyear Army veteran, Schneider has become a single parent and qualifies for an early discharge.

"That's probably what she wants to do," said Goodson. "This has just been to hard on her girls."