Staff Sergeant John McCarty Welcomed Home to Walpole

SGG John McCarty was welcomed home to Walpole by the board of selectmen Thursday night.

A graduate of Walpole High School, McCarty served in the U.S. Army with the 444th engineering company out of Oswego, N.Y.

He returned home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan on Jan. 31. The tour was his second deployment, with his first being in Iraq. McCarty earned a bronze star for his service.

Overseas his unit suffered three casualties and eight members wounded in action.

“We’re so very grateful for your service,” selectmen chair Eric Kraus said.

McCarty was accompanied at the meeting by family and friends, including his daughter Shannon who attends Fisher School.

He was given a "Welcome Home" certificate and those in attendance gave a heartfelt round of applause to give thanks for his service.