January 10, 2013

It is a homecoming that has taken more than six decades.

Tonight, the body of a mid-state soldier is back in Tennessee, 62 years after he was killed in Korea.

When you consider how long they've waited, it's easy to understand why this family is so glad to see something so sad.

"We're so honored, blessed and thankful," says sister Edna Kilgore.

An honor guard carries the remains of Private First Class Glenn Schoenmann.
     
The solider left Tennessee back in 1950.

Serving in Korea, PFC Schoenmann fought in the infamous battle of Chosin Reservoir.

He was captured by the enemy, held prisoner, and eventually died.

All these years his family only knew he was missing in action, until a DNA match helped rewrite history. 

"They said I have good news, they said we've found your brother's remains," says brother Ernest Schoenmann.

"I cried and I said thank the Lord we can have a memorial for him," says Edna Kilgore.

Schoenmann's three brothers and sister are all here to greet him.   
    
The solider receives a hero's welcome.  Servicemen, veterans, and community members salute in honor.

"This nation still respects its veterans, no matter how long they've been gone," says TN Adjutant General Maj. General Max Haston.

The Schoenmann family finds itself in a unique position. They are saying hello while also saying goodbye.
  
Older brother Ernest remembers his last conversation with Glenn before he deployed.

"He knew where he was going, and he told me I don't think I'll ever come home alive...that was hard," says Ernest Schoenmann.

Waiting this long for closure has also been hard, but now Glenn Schoenmann is back.
       
He'll be laid to rest beside his parents.
     
His family says it's exactly where he belongs.

Private First Class Schoenmann will be remembered by friends and family in Grundy County.
   
Visitation will be Friday, and his funeral will be held at Grundy County High School on Saturday at 1 p.m.

For news updates follow John Dunn on twitter @WZTVJohnDunn