A contingent of friends, neighbors and family armed with umbrellas braved the cold and rain Monday in Buxton to welcome a soldier home from Iraq.

Pfc. Aaron Perron, 21, arrived by car in the parking lot outside Plummer’s Store. He greeted the gathering in a downpour. Perron is the son of Terri and Patrick Perron of Buxton.

His mother said Tuesday he served with the 4th Battalion, 4th infantry, 42nd Field Artillery, in a 13-month tour with the U.S. Army in Iraq.

Terri Perron said her son is home for three weeks and then will return to his outfit, which is going to Colorado. From Iraq, Perron arrived in Fort Hood, Texas. He flew Monday to Manchester, N.H., where his family met him. “He looked wonderful,” his jubilant mom said Tuesday. She said the welcome-home group included friends from Bonny Eagle High School.

(homecoming 1) – Coming home after a 13-month tour in Iraq, Private 1st Class Aaron Perron of Buxton greets Don Fields of Buxton, a member of the Patriot Guard Riders while Perron