Today, John returned from Iraq. Patty and I flew from Boise to watch his plane come in and his crew come home (1/319 Artilery of the 82nd Airborne) to Ft. Bragg. He landed around 6:00 PM at Pope Air Force base where his mom Kathy, sister Kristin, aunt Vicki and cousins Chris and Paul were also in attendance.
It was moving to see these men return home after 15 months in a war zone. I talked to 1st SGT Nader (JD's boss in the field) and he said that JD was a hell of a soldier and sometimes had more balls than brains... but he appreciated the fact that he was with him in the field. He decribed one time when bullets were flying at his feet in the pitch black of night, not being able to see the "bad guys". When he looked over, JD was calmly on the radio calling in fire from a nearby helicopter. He said that when his heart was in this throat, it was good to know that JD was there with the skills he had and was watching his back.
I'm sure there are a ton of stories that JD could tell and we will allow him to find the right time (or not) to tell what he feels needs told about his time in Iraq.
Lesser men would have spent those 15 months in the desert complaining and working to get the heck out, but JD did his time and did it well. The whole family is very proud of him... thanks son.
Below are some pictures of his homecoming:
Patty and Marv holding a sign made up so JD could find us
Patty and Marv holding our second sign (always need a backup)
Patty and Kristin guarding the signs
My two sweethearts
(L to R) Patty, Kristin, Chris, Paul, Kathy and Vicky
1st SGT Nader and the Bravo sign waiting for the plane
We are just proud of JD
JD & his mom Kathy with Kristin behind waiting for her hug
JD was all smiles!
(L to R) Marv, JD, Kristin & Kathy
Patty getting her hugs in
2 happy kids...
The end of a great day at Ft. Bragg, NC...
