East El Paso soldier received a welcome home to remember

After being away from home for months a soldier from East El Paso was welcomed home in a way she never expected.

First Lieutenant Korina Rodriguez was stationed in Kuwait for nine months, and it was rough on her close-knit family.

“Mom has been crying, we’ve been crying because it’s her first deployment,” said her younger sister Jessica Rodriguez. “But we’re really happy she’s back home safe and sound.”

Jessica knew she had to make her sister’s homecoming into a memorable day. As an auto enthusiast, Jessica started reaching out to car clubs.

“I just went into Facebook and looked into different profiles, and i was like ‘hey, you have a car,'” said Jessica. ” I went ahead and messaged them like ‘hey I have this plan for my sister, she’s coming back home.’ From there it just went on, and on, and on.”

El Paso Corvette Club president Charlie Blancas said he was thrilled to be among the six car clubs serving the community.

“We’re going to do a little parade…to her house just to give her a little welcome back to El Paso,” said Blancas.

Classic cars, Corvettes, low-riders packed a parking lot in East El Paso, waving banners and flags. When they made their way to surprise 1st Lt. Korina Rodriguez she walked down the driveway gleaming with surprise.

“I was speechless,” said Korina. “It was amazing, it was great, especially Corvettes. Those are my favorite type of cars.”

Friends and family stopped to shower her with warm messages and gifts.

“It’s the best feeling ever,”said Korina. “It’s great to see my family and friends again. So, it feels good to be back home.”

Although she was thousands of miles away from the comfort of her home, Korina said she always felt near.

“My soldiers helped out a lot,” said Korina. “Build a family with them, and you know, you get up, you pick yourself up and then you get to call your friends and family back at home so that helps too.”