Still Don't Know When He is Coming Home - Original Post 30 April 2007

Good morning! Since it has been a couple of weeks since I have written, thought I would write a line or two.
We still do not know when our son is coming home! This is a month later and they still don't have an answer for us! I understand that the army has a lot going on right now, but can't they figure out that there are many wives, girl friends, husbands, children, moms and dads that need to know when our soldier is coming home. If they are extended-okay-we will deal with that...but JUST TELL US WHAT WE CAN EXPECT! I have the one mom and the one girlfriend/fiance that I IM with. Both are in my son's squad. Both of these women are expecting their soldiers to come home. I have tried to tell them, but they don't want to listen. They don't want to think that they will be gone any longer. I am afraid that the inevitable will happen-that they will be extended...and how these women are going to handle it. The wife has 5 children...she is so determined that they will be home as scheduled...She has had some health problems...I don't know if she could last another 3 months! The girlfriend is packed and ready. She and her soldier are getting married as soon as he gets back-so they can begin their lives together...I just don't know...
Good news is that I talked with my son quite a lot this week. What a truly amazing human being he is...I know....Momma pride stepping in...right now he wants to buy a ultra light and take pilot lessons...he soloed at 16. He wants to get leave for the last week of July so he and I can go to the EAA fly-in at Osh Kosh, WI. That would be a truly amazing week. And just think...a whole week with my son...just him and I...and thousands of others attending the fly in! LOL!
We had a garage sale on Saturday. I advertised it as "trying to raise funds to travel to see my son when he returns from his deployment". I WILL BE THERE when he sets foot on American soil. I was there when he left and I will darn sure be there when he returns...
On Saturday evening....I was part of a rare experience. We had 45 Marines from 24th Marines return from a 10 month deployment to Fallujah. They had asked for a Patriot Guard Escort from the airport. Our airport is about 50 miles from 24th Marines. What a sight to behold. I took bottled water for the motorcyclists. I had two cases...I thought 48 bottles, that would be good. As I turned to enter the Marriot parking lot at the airport...my comment was....oh my, I don't have enough water! There were approximately 300 bikes waiting to ride to welcome these 45 Marines home. In addition, there were about 25 "cages" (cars) to join the escort.
Our escort was over 2 miles long....first there was the Missouri Highway Patrol and the Kansas City Police Department....then the bus carrying the Marines and then the bikes. Initially KCPD had entrances onto the interstate blocked to keep motorists from entering the highway. And I want to thank the truck drivers of America....they seem to know what is going on when they see these bikes and they do their best to stop traffic to allow the motor cade to pass. This helps out a lot.
When we got to the exit to enter the drive into 24th Marines, the community was there. they were carrying signs, waving flags, waving, shouting thank you, applauding...both sides of the street-for about 1/2 mile. The Marines were awe stricken. One of my best friends was at the point where they turned onto the street-she said it was wonderful...she could see the Marines in the bus...their faces...as they saw what the community had done...she said she could see them pointing, then standing...and smiles come across their faces...she was so glad she was there to see that...
Well, that is about it on my end. I have got to start thinking and putting on paper, my plans for Operation Homefront. I am still a little over whelmed with the whole idea...but will be able to put the plan into motion soon. I am beginning to gather some good volunteers...so that will help a bunch!
Will sign off for now. Please remember...say a special prayer for a soldier, sailor,airman, or Marine. They need our prayers right now.
Head Down...Eyes Open...I Love You