FORT WORTH, Texas -- Tonight, Mayor Mike Moncrief, Rosie Moncrief and members of the Fort Worth Police Department will join family and friends to welcome home a true hometown hero: Fort Worth Police Sgt. and Army Maj. Tom Hughes. He's just one of the countless heroes who arrive at DFW Airport each year on their way home from the front line battles in the Middle East.  

Maj. Hughes, who has been with the Fort Worth Police Department for 17 years, left for Iraq in August of 2008 to serve as a Civil Affairs Soldier. During his year-long tour, Maj. Hughes had the important task of building and strengthening relationships between the U.S. Military and the Iraqi Government. 

Maj. Hughes will return to North Texas tonight on American Airlines flight 473, expected to arrive at DFW Airport's Terminal A, Gate 9 at 8:50 p.m. The family reunion is expected to take place at the nearby baggage claim area. 

“The role of a police officer is to build bridges, build relationships, and build safe communities. We’re proud that Maj. Hughes has chosen to do this not only on the streets of Fort Worth, but also in a distant and dangerous part of the world,” said Mayor Moncrief. “His selfless commitment to serve others should be commended. We’re extremely proud that he’s expected to return home safely with a new global perspective that will no doubt serve him well in his return as one of Fort Worth’s finest.” 

Maj. Hughes will return Sunday with his fellow soldiers of the 490th Battalion, 1 Bravo Company. He and his team members had been stationed at Camp McHenry in Hawijah, southwest of Kirkuk, Iraq. In addition to his goodwill missions, Maj. Hughes and his team also oversaw economic development projects and assisted in inspecting new structures built and supported with the help of the United States.