A special welcome home party for Corporal Andrew Fiumano was in order Saturday as many celebrated his return, following a year long deployment in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

"I went to Afghanistan [to work] with the marines, then to Kuwait for three months, Texas, and now I'm back home," Andrew said.

Back home in Niskayuna, Andrew has a history of service from volunteering for the local fire department to working as an investigator with Schenectady County SPCA. Andrew's parents say his work overseas was just an extension of that commitment.

"He wanted to be a soldier since he was a young man. Joining the national guard was a good fit for him," said Laura Fiumano, Andrew's mother.

Friends, family, and officials all took the chance to express their gratitude. Don Miller, who volunteers at the Niskayuna Legion Post 1092, was one of those in attendance.

"It was great to be able to shake someone's hand and actually thank them for their service," Miller said.

New York Repersentative Paul Tonko also shared some words, describing Andrew.

"His bravery, his courage, skill, and his undeniable sense of patriotism," Tonko said.

Andrew says he hopes his work will inspire others to get involved in their communities too.