Schools

Video: Hero's Walk of Honor

Frey Elementary School gave a hero's welcome to Lt. Cameron West, a wounded Marine born and raised in Acworth.

Do you know Lt. Cameron West? What would you like to say to him and other service members? Tell them in the comments below.

Hundreds of students, teachers and parents at welcomed Lt. Cameron West, a wounded Marine and Frey alumnus, with a "Walk of Honor."

West is an Acworth native who graduated from Frey 15 years ago and attended .

Find out what's happening in Acworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Frey Elementary adopted West's platoon last year and began to send care packages to Afghanistan, where he was deployed. West had promised he would return to Frey after the war to thank the students in person.

But shortly after, West was injured in an IED explosion in October 2010. The school continued to support West's platoon and followed through his recovery the past year.

Find out what's happening in Acworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Two weeks ago, the school learned that West was returning to Acworth to visit family and friends and organized the Walk of Honor, which got much bigger than anticipated.

"It just got snowballed after we broke the news to the students and parents," said Joyce Piket, Principal of Frey Elementary School. "The Acworth Business Association was also extremely supportive and helped us getting the word out."

Frey Elementary presented West a check for the Wounded Warrior Foundation. On behalf of the , Mayor Tommy Allegood and Alderman Bob Weatherford also thanked West for his service and called him a true All-American hero.

West will be continuing his rehabilitation in San Diego. He said having the support from the community means a lot to him and his fellow Marines, and he's looking forward to the future.

This was West's second Walk of Honor at Frey. He took his first one as a fifth-grader in May 1997 when he graduated from the school. Β 

West isn't the only hometown hero Acworth has welcomed this year. In April, .

West said Love is a true motivation. He also said he wants fellow Marines and soldiers to know that America has their backs.


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