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Wives ready Fort Lewis for troops' return

Aug-25-2007 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

Christian Hill, The Olympian

FORT LEWIS — Few get this excited about making a bed, never mind making more than 200 beds.

But these half-dozen wives had a spring in their steps Friday as they tucked corners and smoothed blankets and sheets, one of innumerable tasks both large and small under way to prepare for the return of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) after a 15-month deployment to Iraq.

"It's like the light at the end of the tunnel," Melissa Townsend, wife of Col. Steve Townsend, the brigade commander, said in an earlier interview. "You can put your hands on it."

The brigade's "torch" party is scheduled to return home in early September to lay the groundwork for welcoming back the rest of the 3,600-soldier unit. Then, in a ritual that will repeat itself numerous times in subsequent weeks, weary soldiers will reunite with overjoyed spouses and children shortly after stepping off a plane.

The family readiness group for the Brigade Troops Battalion wanted to ensure the return was just as memorable for single soldiers whose families may live far away. More than half of the battalion's 450 soldiers are unmarried.

So the group went to work Friday to give a touch of home to quarters that have been vacate for more than a year. They started with making the beds. Over the weekend, they will ensure the comforts and necessities of home are waiting for the soldiers, such as toothbrushes, shaving cream, razors and a plate of oven-baked cookies.

"We would like them to feel as good when they come home as our husbands do," said Sharon Lemke, whose husband, Ryan, is a sergeant assigned to the battalion.

The family readiness groups for the brigade's other subordinate units are taking similar steps to welcome home their single soldiers.

[...]


Comments For "Wives ready Fort Lewis for troops' return":

YESSSS!!! We can't wait for you to get home!!

Posted by: lasse [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 26, 2007 7:31 PM

I wish I could be there to help them and to greet my son who is a member of A Troop. I just want to let them know how much I appreciate what they are doing to welcome them ALL home Sometimes its the little things that count and this was just so thoughtful of them. They are not only thinking about their own husbands, but are very conscious of the single guys whose families are too far away to be there. Thank you again.

Posted by: AnnieB1031 [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 26, 2007 7:48 PM

It brings tears to my eyes to think of the happy spouses, my daughter-in-law included and my two grand daughters. But, alas, don't forget about us MOMS!!!! I wish I could be at FT. Lewis to help. I would be there with bells on my toes! We are making ready to be there when our man arrives and it is the BEST, BEST feeling in the world. As I did once before, I will await the colonel's call to his troops: "DISMISSED!" And I will thank God for Josh's safe return will his comrades. It's overdue and long awaited.

Posted by: Sgt's Mom [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 26, 2007 7:50 PM

Would someone plese hug my child for me? I wish i had enough money to go there and do it myself. But i cant afford to and he will be unpacking and not taking leave...so hug him, love him for me...please...thats SPC.D. Tidwell...ok...???

Posted by: truelady2002 [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 12:08 AM

I have been in these shoes before and I am elated for those of you who are welcoming your loved ones home. I am just starting the 15 month roller coaster for the 2nd time and will get to experience the joy and excitement again when our soldiers return. Prayers and Patience to you while you wait in anticipation. Thanks to the FRG, their endless sacrifice is very appreciated. Hug to all our Heros coming home.

Posted by: kldmom [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 7:27 AM

My son was part of "Torch" that is already home and it was great to see all the Soldiers home and especially my son. I am also excited that the rest of the group will be home soon. The anticpation is the hardest thing of all. Prayers to all of you and thank you for those who assisted with the homecoming for the Torch party.

Posted by: militarymom2 [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 10:37 AM

I am driving up from Akron, OH to be there to see my Son, I can't wait to give him a big hug!!! I really appreciate all the FRG has done to keep me informed of all that's happening with our young men. THANK YOU!!
Battery A - 1-37, mom.

Posted by: Proud_MOM [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 10:38 AM

We are so happy for these wives, families and friends! What a great time for all you....May god bless them all and you working at home to make this a great homecoming. Godspeed.

Posted by: StrykerB'SMOM [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 12:05 PM

Hey Gunner,

I am looking foward to seeing you.
Member of 1/23. You can bet to see a big homecoming. Thanks for all you have done. You have seved your country with great honor. By the way, Gunner is Sgt. Jeff Morton.
Love Ya,
Dad

Posted by: gunner2004 [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 3:58 PM

My son Alex will be returning soon. I have not seen his mother this happy in a longtime.

God Bless America and our BRAVE men.

Posted by: LALO [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 8:34 PM

For 15 months now I have checked Stryker News just hoping to find out news about my son and the 3/2. The best article I have ever read in all of those months was this one. For once the tears I shed were tears of joy because it almost over!
I also want to thank all of you ladies that are taking care of the soldiers like my son who are single. I won't be there when he comes in but I will be there for the Homecoming Ceremony.
Thanks again!

Sgt. Josh Rogers' mom

Posted by: TexasStrykerMom [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 27, 2007 8:52 PM

They are comming home and its been a long time. He's my nephue and my brothers son. His name is Finch, Cluade. to us buddy. 3/2 reapers . and i'd like to say thank you to the rearD for giving him a fresh clean bed to rest his weary tired head and giving him a good old american welcome home. Thnak you . and well to him from his pops and his mom and all of us, we love you buddy. get ready to feel the love......
big huggs auntie

Posted by: Cindy [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 30, 2007 11:51 PM

Please give my son hugs for me. My boss was going to get me an airline ticket with his frequent flyer miles,just so I could meet my son Specialist Peter Manna, I was so thankful to be able to greet him, but since he was unable to give me a definite day of arrival, it does not look like it will work out. SO please greet him for me. Peter, I will see you soon, thank you for your service, I love you and and am so grateful to the Lord for protecting you all this last long year.

Posted by: Manna Mom [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 31, 2007 11:31 AM

THEY ARE FINALLY COMING HOME!! My son is B-Battery 1/37 FA...SPC Brandon "Stew" Stewart. We have all of our tickets and reservations in place and now we are just counting down the days until our brave boys come home. I want to say a huge THANK YOU to those who are making the beds for our single soldiers. It deeply touches my heart to know that there is some wonderful woman who is making a bed just for my son so he will feel more at home since I cannot do this for him. GOD BLESS YOU ALL

Posted by: 13BravoMom [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 31, 2007 3:05 PM

The best news ever. They are comming home at last. So I must say thank you to the rearD for giving my favorite nephue a clean fresh bed to rest his weary tired head and a good old american welcome home. We live in California and his dad and I know from this solders grandfather who did several tours in vietnam that a active vigilance makes a strong mind for the worst fears and best joys. Searching and reading and seeing has kept us ready for any news good or bad. thank you "styker birgade news". times have changed.my nephue is comming home. Hes has seen much and lost alot and become stronger on the inside and out. So we love you buddy and ill i can say get ready for the love.from your pops and your mom love ang bigg huggs auntie

Posted by: Cindy [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 31, 2007 9:21 PM

im very proud that my son of the 3/2 reapers and his buddys are coming home very soon cant wait to give them a hug and hand shake for doing a very good job and coming home safe i wish his grandfather was here to tell him how pround he would be of falling his foot steps usmc master gunnery sargent ( claude h finch sr )serving and his country . me and cant waitwee love you very much dad and mom

Posted by: bud [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 31, 2007 10:10 PM

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