Helicopter pilot Michael Durant's old hometown rejoiced Thursday morning at the news of his release by Somali rebels.
"We are elated," said Durant's aunt, Pearl Fysh. "We're just waiting for him to get home."Fysh said she was proud of the way the community of 12,500 rallied behind its native son with yellow ribbons, a huge church service and emotional support for the family.
Durant's parents, Leon and Louise, still live here, but they have been staying with their daughter-in-law, Lorrie, in Clarksville, Tenn., since Durant was captured Oct. 3.
"I'm ecstatic," Louise Durant said by telephone from Clarksville. She wept as she described seeing her son on television after his release. "He looked so good. It's so great."
Durant, 32, was released in Somalia after being held by forces of warlord Mohamed Aidid. He was taken prisoner when his helicopter went down during a fight in Mogadishu that killed 18 American soldiers, a Malaysian trooper and more than 300 Somalis. He is based at Fort Campbell, Ky., which is near Clarksville.
Louise Durant said her daughter-in-law planned to fly to Germany to join Michael Thursday or "as soon as arrangements can be made." Louise and Leon Durant were staying in Clarskville to care for their year-old grandchild, Joey.
She said the family got the news at 4 a.m., "and the phone hasn't stopped ringing since."
In Hyattsville, Md., Durant's sister, Mary Ellen Durant, said "this is a magnificent day and we are completely thrilled." A new bride, she also celebrates her 31st birthday Friday. `I could never get a better birthday gift than to get my brother back," she told CBS News.
Durant, who joined the Army shortly after graduating from high school, left Berlin 14 years ago, but many people in town remember him.
Yellow ribbons sprang up around the city shortly after Durant was captured.