A Navajo Army reservist seriously wounded in Iraq is going to be spending Christmas at home.

Army Spc. Alry Billiman, 27, of Buell Park was initially told by his doctor in San Diego that he wouldn’t be able to make the trip because he was recovering from his eighth surgery on his amputated right arm.

But Billiman says the doctor reconsidered 10 minutes later and decided the best place for recovery was the Navajo Nation among family and friends.

Within hours, Billiman, his wife, Katara, and their one-year-old daughter found themselves on a small plane heading to Window Rock.

He was honored after his return by the Navajo Nation Council, which was meeting in special session.

Arizona Republic