June 03, 2025
Local News

Wonder Lake Army specialist home safe and sound

By LINDSAY WEBER

Mike Greene - mgreene@shawmedia.com Army Spc. Dustin Largen smiles Saturday while surveying the crowd gathered for his welcome home celebration at Veterans of Foreign War Post 4600 in McHenry. Largen served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan during his four-year enlistment. (Mike Greene)

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McHENRY – “Welcome home!”

The resounding statement flooded the ears of 23-year-old Army Spc. Dustin Largen as he was welcomed home Saturday afternoon by friends, family and military comrades. Largen was escorted from his home in Wonder Lake to the VFW in McHenry to waves, cheers and the roar of motorcycle engines. The grin on Largen’s face was a permanent fixture for the afternoon.

The Patriot Guard Riders, along with the Warriors’ Watch Riders, American Legion, Christian Motorcycle Association, VFW and Bikers for Christ, led the charge with Largen arriving atop a classic Chevy Camaro RS.

Largen, a member of the artillery unit, ran convoys during his first deployment in Iraq and prepped rounds for firing of an M777 Alpha 2 in his second deployment in Afghanistan.

“My job was to fire a really big cannon,” he said.

Largen said he wants to go to school and will take his general education courses at MCC to explore his career options, but his number one priority is to catch up and spend time with family.

“The Army makes you grow up fast. I’m home now, and I just want to be with my family,” Largen said.

Largen came home Friday morning after four years and 17 weeks in the Army. His mother, Margie, spent the last four years calling, texting and emailing her son, hoping for his safe return, all the while wearing a dog tag around her neck that reads “Proud Mom of a U.S. Army Soldier."

“I’m just so glad he’s home safe and sound,” Margie said. “I’ve missed the liveliness he brings. I missed his face. I missed his smile.”

Largen’s father, Dave, said it was a huge relief to have his son home and that he was extremely proud of him.

“The Army taught him discipline and patriotism, and now he has the educational opportunities," Dave said. "Now that he’s home, I just hope all of his dreams come true."

Largen was presented with Warriors’ Watch Rider beads by member Anthony Ray “Cowboy D” Diller, U.S. Army 1st Cavalry. Largen also received challenge coins from the Warrior's Watch, Patriot Guard and CMA. The VFW presented Largen with a State Commander’s Pin, set of Army pins, VA Handbook and a one-year membership.

Former VFW 5th District Commander and Marine Staff Sgt. Patrick Green recited Chris Woolnough’s poem “Have You Stopped and Thanked a Vet Today,” which caused Largen’s eyes to take on a bit of moisture.

“Thank you all so much. This is way more than I could have expected,” said Largen, to which the crowd responded, “Thank you.”