Local Marine welcomed home at PBIA after spending most of the year overseas in Afganistan

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla - He has spent most of 2011 overseas, serving his country in Afghanistan. But a local Marine came home on Sunday and he got quite the welcome.

Met by a group of more than 50 people, U.S. Marine Sam Trausneck walked through Palm Beach International Airport while folks clapped and greeted him home.

Trausneck has spent more than six months overseas working in an engineering battalion. His work would entail aiding with the logistics of missions and helping with other planning.

Trausneck said he is overwhelmed by the showing of support and feels lucky so many people in the community care about his arrival.

"Being home is awesome. It's so great to be home. It's all I've been thinking about, especially for the holidays," said Trausneck.

The Marine said he looks forward most to just spending time with family.

Trausneck will return to service at the beginning of January and head to Camp Pendleton in California.