Stryker Brigade News

With the help of my fantastic FRG, we got our base passes taken care of yesterday morning, so there would be no delays right before the arrival. We got to the base yesterday afternoon about 2:30PM and found Sheridan Gym without too many problems. There was a group of 5 of us to greet Jack. I got to meet Lisa Golden and her family!! We were all smiles and grins. Another Styrker Mom of one of Jack's buddies from Texas who I had gotten to know was also there. Lisa had been kind enough to make two, count 'em, two WELCOME HOME posters for Jack, which my grandson promptly took over.

We were expecting the arrival at 4PM. As the time grew closer, the gym filled up until there was Standing Room Only!! Kids were running all over the gym floor...I'm sure they all slept well last night. There were signs and flowers and balloons all over. At about 4PM, we began to see lines of soldiers entering the gym at the entrance, but disappearing toward the back.

Then the band took their places and started playing. My favorite was Proud to be an American...there's something about hearing that song played by soldiers that makes your skin tingle. We knew the time was getting close as all the VIP's started taking their places. Then, almost out of the blue, it began to happen...what we have all been waiting for: the band began to play the theme from Rocky and the soldiers started to come in. I first saw the B Company flag, then the soldiers, 4 abreast, marching in...still in their DCU's, helmets and flak vests. The first company entered, then the second company. They completely filled the gym floor and were close enough to be able to see each and every face in front of me.

The cheers and yells and clapping never seemed to end. It was like a year's worth of waiting and worrying was all disappearing in an instant, carried away on those sounds. The soldiers were tired, wet, and weary but the look on their faces was one of pride, relief and finality.

There were some very brief speeches, and I spent that time searching for Jack's face. I couldn't find him, but I knew his company was the one farthest from me. I knew he was there, probably searching the crowd for us. Then, suddenly, they were dismissed and as the sea of DCU's parted, I saw his face, helmet off, searching in the stands for us. As I climbed down the gym bleachers, I couldn't take my eyes off of him and finally caught his eye. I will never forget that look on his face until the day I die. As I hugged him, and got hugged in return, I could feel the wetness of his uniform.and the weight of the flak vest. When I finally let him go so the rest of the family could greet him. I just stood there in amazement. It was like there was no one else in that gym for a few moments. My soldier was home... along with all the rest of those brave soldiers... home with his family.

I got to meet his PO, the platoon medic and a few of his buddies before we left. The gym cleared out fast...everyone wanting to have their soldier to themselves to spend time with and learn to have them back again. Dinner last night at Black Angus, breakfast at IHop... small things for most Americans, but unbelievably happy and important things for us and the rest of the families.

I am so very glad we were here for this arrival when I see the look of happiness on his face everytime I watch him kidding around with his older brother or unattaching his adoring 9 yr old nephew from his leg or talking "man to man" to his uncle, a Viet Nam vet who had tears in his eyes as he greeted Jack or giving his aunt an extra hug, just because she's here.

Wish all of you could be here with me, but I hope you know that I would never have reached this day "sanely" without the support of each and every one of you.

May God bless each of our soldiers and may God bless America.