Photos and Story By Lisa Carolin
If you saw what was painted on The Rock in Pierce Park this week, then you know it was an exciting time for the Heinen family of Chelsea. On Monday, Nov. 16, 23-year-old Luke Heinen arrived home after four years in the Army.
Family, friends and neighbors provided a surprise welcome for Heinen at Pierce Park after his dad dropped him off after coming directly from Metro Airport.
“I missed my family and friends and the scenery,” said Heinen, who was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas for the last four years. “It’s a desert there.”
Heinen said that he heard about the terrorist attacks that occurred in Paris Nov. 13, but that he was already set to go home.
“Luke has been sitting at the airport in El Paso since 3:30 this morning just waiting to come home,” said his mom, Judy Heinen. “He hasn’t been able to come home much. The last time was for Christmas in 2014.”
Luke Heinen graduated from Chelsea High School in 2011. His friend Taylor Stevens was awaiting Heinen at the park and said, “I look forward to hunting and fishing with Luke.”
Taylor’s mom, Brenda Stevens, calls Luke a “second, third and fourth son” to her.
“It’s really nice for the community to have something to celebrate after what’s been going on in Paris,” said Brenda Stevens.
Luke said, “The most rewarding part of being in the Army was helping my fellow soldiers and helping out people in El Paso.”
Also on hand at Pierce Park were members of Luke’s family. HIs dad Matt Heinen, his mom, and three of his four siblings (older brother Matthew, who also served in the military, wasn’t at the park). His older sister Brigette, younger sister Alli and younger brother Joe were all there awaiting Luke’s arrival.
“I’m really excited,” said Joe. “I call Luke every night, and we play video games together. I’m looking forward to hanging out with my best friend.”
Luke credits his upbringing with giving him the qualities to be a good soldier.
“I had a strong, well-disciplined and well-mannered family who helped me go into the military,” he said.
Judy Heinen says they are a close knit family.
“My husband and I are looking forward to having the whole family home,” she said.
Luke says that he looks forward to being with his family and friends as well as going to school. He has been taking online classes and hopes to use the GI Bill to study business and accounting in college.
What does Luke look forward to most now that he’s home?
“Relaxing,” he said with a big smile.
