Daniel Rogers shakes hands with Suzie Defrancisci as Ron Quick looks on during a welcome home reception for Rogers in Upper Lake on Friday, November 27, 2009. Photo by Ginny Craven.

UPPER LAKE – With only a few hours' notice, citizens gathered on Main Street in Upper Lake on Friday afternoon to welcome home a local soldier.

Daniel Rogers of Upper Lake arrived home from Afghanistan to waving flags, a cheering crowd and handmade signs thanking him for his service.

The family vehicle turned onto Main Street where Rogers saw a crowd waiting to personally embrace him and thank him for his service and sacrifice.

Rogers was visibly moved by the reception, taking time to shake hands and share hugs with everyone.

Happy to be home, Daniel Rogers scoops up his mom, Becky, on Friday, November 27, 2009. Photo by Ginny Craven.

The young soldier has recently endured difficult times. His unit was hit hard during the Battle of Kamdesh, where eight soldiers lost their lives in one day.

The base where Rogers was assigned was destroyed and he and his fellow soldiers lost all of the belongings they were not wearing or carrying.

Rogers has expressed his gratitude for the support he and his comrades have received. He has communicated directly, using calling privileges to let the participants of Operation Tango Mike and his Lake County supporters know he had received the extra care packages sent to replenish their supplies.

Vic and Becky Rogers welcome home their son, Daniel, from Afghanistan on Friday, November 27, 2009. Photo by Ginny Craven.

He also has sent messages via his parents, being gracious and very appreciative of the concern and encouragement he has received.

Rogers will enjoy his 15 day mid-deployment leave with his family. He will return to Afghanistan to complete his tour of duty, but will take with him memories of a warm welcome on a November day.

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A group of well wishers, including these youngsters, welcomed Daniel Rogers home from Afghanistan for a visit on on Friday, November 27, 2009. Photo by Ginny Craven.

Daniel Rogers received many welcome home hugs when he arrived in Upper Lake for a mid-deployment leave on Friday, November 27, 2009. Photo by Ginny Craven.