Wounded solider honored on July 4th

WAXHAW, N.C. -- When war injuries threatened to keep a local soldier from taking part in a Fourth of July parade, a group of “patriots” rolled in to help.

"Injured in Iraq, happy to have him with us today -- Sgt. Jonathan Roberts,” exclaimed an announcer at Waxhaw’s Independence Day celebration.

A vehicle crash in the war zone left Roberts wheelchair bound. He has survived brain surgery and spent three months in a coma.

“Jonathan had been invited to ride in this parade but he couldn't ride the float,” said Ronnie Faggart of Albemarle.

Faggart is a volunteer with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who call themselves the “Patriot Guard Riders.”

“That’s what the Patriot Guard is about,” said Faggart. “It’s about supporting and honoring our troops and people like Jonathan.”

Faggart volunteered to take Roberts along the parade route while riding on a trike. 

“It’s my honor,” Faggart said.

It turns out Roberts used to ride before his injury in Iraq. By coincidence, the soldier met the Patriot Guard Riders during the inauguration of a home designed to meet his special needs.

“I told him that anytime he wanted to ride that I would be able to carry him,” explained Faggart.

Roberts communicates with a special device. We asked him what it's like now to ride a motorcycle.

“F-R-E-E-D-O-M,” he spelled out.

Freedom on Independence Day, it’s a therapeutic experience for the wounded soldier.