The Incredible Reason This Soldier Is Returning Home From Afghanistan Has His Grandfather Calling Him a 'Hero

It's a story of love. Honor. Courage.

21-year-old U.S. Army Specialist Ricky Glenn's grandfather Rick Homer served  20 years in the military — spending four years in the Marine Corp and 16 in the Army. He fought in Vietnam. But, now he's dying.

[sharequote align="center"]"The only time I've got left is what the good Lord gives me."[/sharequote]

"I found out about it a little over three years ago. I have hemachromatosis, which is genetic. The liver doesn't purify the blood like it supposed to. The only time I've got left is what the good Lord gives me," Homer told KCTV.

As it turns out, though, that might not be the case. At least under Glenn's watch.

U.S. Army Specialist Ricky Glenn, 21. (Image source: KCTV)

When the U.S. Army Specialist heard of his grandfather's health condition, he asked his commanding officer for permission to fly back from Afghanistan to Texas so he can donate part of his liver to Homer.

[sharequote align="center"]"The loss and the regret of me not doing anything would have outweighed this."[/sharequote]

"The loss and the regret of me not doing anything would have outweighed this. I'm the firstborn grandson I carry my grandfather's name," Glenn says.

Veteran Rick Homer. (Image source: KCTV)

Glenn will be tested to see if he is a match at Baylor Medical Center. If he is, the 21-year-old will donate 60 percent of his liver to Homer.

His grandfather couldn't be more proud.

"He's my hero! People don't understand what a hero is until something like this happens," he told KCTV.

Glenn's mother explained that doctors tried to dissuade her son, but to no avail.

"One of the doctors tried to talk him out of it, and he said no," Odle says.

According to KCTV, if Glenn is a match it will take several weeks for the donation to be completed. The 21-year-old reportedly says he just wants his grandfather healthy again so they can embark on a fishing trip together.

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