DENVER -- Sgt. Martin May returned to Colorado a hero Wednesday.

May was wounded on a foot mission in Iraq when a stray bullet entered his right eye and came out the left. The bullet narrowly missed May's temple.

"I'm very lucky to be alive," said May.

May has been recovering in Texas since the Sept. 30 incident and saw his family for the first time at Denver International Airport on Wednedsay. May said he marvels over the "little things" now but said it was the steps of his son that amazed him the most.

"I didn't know he could walk and he walked to me. It tore at a soldier's heart," said May.

His wife, Wendy, said the experience has taught her to never take anything for granted.

"I think a lot of people take things for granted, I know I won't anymore," said May.

May's friend, Cindy Mann, said the family is lucky to have Martin home.

"Normally the troops that come home early from Iraq come home in a pine box," said Mann.

May said he was excited to spend Thanksgiving with his family Thursday and said that while his sight is lost his spirit and resolve to fight for his country aren't.

"I will return to Iraq if they ask me," said May.

May is slated to receive a purple heart for his bravery.