Dozens of Lithia Ridge residents lined the street to Sgt. Katie Thomas' home on Monday to welcome the disabled Army veteran to the neighborhood.   

  • Sgt. Katie Thomas has spent 3 years at Tampa VA
  • Suffered brain injury during incident in Hawaii
  • Lithia Ridge community welcomed her home

"I was blown away. I really didn't know what to expect," said Katie's mom, Kathy Powers. "As soon as I saw everybody and the signs and the flags... I'm amazed at this community."

The neighbors wore patriotic clothes and waved American flags as Thomas arrived.

Thomas, who suffers from a brain injury, has spent the past three years recovering at the Tampa Veterans Affairs Hospital.

"It's been an amazing journey. It's been three years, four months and 23 days," Powers said. "It was bittersweet telling people at the VA goodbye."

Powers said her daughter was injured while mudding in Hawaii with her boyfriend back in March of 2014. The Jeep's windows were closed because it was raining at the time. Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning happened when the tailpipe filled with mud.

"Unfortunately, her boyfriend, Chris, did not make it," said Powers. "Katie has an anoxic brain injury now and will need care the rest of her life."

The mom said Sgt. Thomas is considered minimally conscious, which means she cannot eat, speak, walk or sit up on her own. Powers moved from Tennessee and bought a home in Valrico to become her daughter's full-time caretaker.

"I sold my home, left my family, retired from my job to come here," she said. "I wanted her to stay in this awesome VA here. She will continue to have the same doctor she's had."


The Lithia Ridge community came out to welcome Sgt. Katie Thomas Monday in Valrico. (Josh Rojas, Staff)

Once neighbors heard about Sgt. Thomas' story and found out she was being discharged from the hospital, the outpouring of support began.

"The neighbors just became family," said Gabriella McColeman, a family friend. "Kathy likes to call it her village of people."

"All the love and support has been really, really great," said neighbor Amber Fox. "So happy to be a part of it."  

Powers said going home was the next step in Katie's recovery.

"I'm just beyond excited to have her home finally," said Powers. "I want to thank every single person that's come out today. This means so much to me and Katie."