Soldier returns to Saugus just in time for 4th

SAUGUS – Families across America will barbeque for the holiday weekend but few celebrations will be as meaningful as the Carmody family’s, who will gather to welcome home SPC Jason Carmody.Carmody has been serving with the Military Police in Iraq the past year. Alyssa Carmody, his wife of two years, admitted she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard he had touched down stateside. She was, however, beside herself Tuesday knowing she would see Jason soon-even if she didn’t know exactly when.”It’s been a rollercoaster,” she said. “I stand by his decision (to go) and I’m very proud.”A civilian dispatcher with the police department, Carmody along with Patrolman Anthony Gaieski returned home to Fort Dix last week and returned to Saugus Wednesday.Alyssa said Thursday that her husband still had to go to Camp Curtis in Wakefield to fill out additional paperwork but would be home for the Fourth of July celebration that will include several family barbeques.It was shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks when Jason Carmody decided to enlist with the National Guard 972 U.S. Army.”He knew what he wanted to do,” Alyssa said.They were only dating at the time but Alyssa said they discussed his plans as a team.”We made the decision together, but I never would have tried to stop him anyway,” she said.Aptly, Carmody, along with Gaieski, signed on with the military police units, their job was to train Iraqi military police officers.Carmody served during Hurricane Katrina and during other stateside crises during his five years of service prior to heading to Iraq.Alyssa said they never fooled themselves either.”We knew he was going,” she said. “It was a hard situation but it was his job and he was honored to go.”Alyssa said she wouldn’t lie, she was of course scared for her husband’s safety and it was tough sometimes to have him gone for so long.”A year is a long time,” she said.But she added she was more proud of his commitment.He was not the only one to make a commitment.During Jason’s absence, Alyssa continued weekend visits with her husband’s son, 6-year-old Tyler.”I didn’t want him to lose both of us for a whole year,” she said. “We had a lot more bonding time.”While Carmody’s return home was a thrill for Alyssa it was a complete surprise for Tyler. Alyssa said they decided not to tell him of his dad’s impending return since they weren’t exactly sure when he would arrive.When he did arrive back in the commonwealth, Police Lt. Mike Annese and Sgt. Mike Stewart were among the men in blue to escort the troops to Camp Curtis Guild.”These guys served our country, they were in Iraq, we’ll do whatever they want us to do,” Annese said.Annese said he expects both Carmody and Gaieski to take a few weeks to get re-adjusted to civilian life before they head back to work.Alyssa said she is looking forward to a vacation with Jason and Tyler next week and simply being a family again.”We conquered it and now he’s safely home,” she said. “We can’t wait for our life to start back up together, a year is too long to be apart from the one you love but it has made us stronger.”