An Alvord, Iowa family got an early Christmas present Thursday night. And nothing you can put in a box or tie with a bow could mean more. KSFY was there as U.S. Army Sergeant Michael Lottman made it home for Christmas.

Mike Lottman was on patrol in Iraq on November 16th when his Humvee was hit by two grenades. Thursday night, 5 weeks and 7 surgeries after he was hit by shrapnel, Sergeant Lottman arrived at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

For his sister sara, "we're just going to wait for mike and aunt lara to get off the airplane." And his step-dad Leon, "be waiting here for you. Love you a lot."

It seemed like the flight would never land. More than 20 friends and family were here to welcome their hero home. "Here they come."

Finally, 26 pounds lighter and using a cane, Sergeant Lottman was home for a well-earned Christmas break. He shows his buddies pictures of the injuries to his back, hip and thigh. His mom, Lora was with Mike though those tough, painful days. "The first time I seen him he was laying in bed and he really looked bad."

Now the soldier who's body was ripped apart, the decorated soldier, will enjoy a few hard-earned days off before heading back to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky after the new year. His sister says having Mike home. "This is the best Christmas present I think I'll ever have."

But what is Mike's Christmas wish? He's thrilled to be back with the people who have been thinking and praying for his speedy recovery. But he's still a soldier. "Hopefully recover and maybe go back and see my friends back in iraq before they come back."

There were two other soldiers riding with Mike when his Humvee was hit. One received minor injuries.

This was sergeant michael Lottman's third tour of duty in Iraq.