A Tribute from a Soldier

I have been truly blessed; and have so much to be grateful for. Since returning home I have experienced some great moments as a soldier. I was pondering what my Memorial Day would be like this year, I wasn’t expecting to be home in time for it. As the circumstances played out, I was home prior to Memorial Day; what to do for my holiday was made easy, the first flight from my unit would arrive home on Memorial Day. What a wonderful experience for both soldiers and families. By the following Thursday night, my entire battalion had returned home and been reunited with their families. This was quite an experience for me to be on the welcoming home side of these homecomings, but I relished every minute of it. Wednesday was by far my favorite day, this was the day that I was there to welcome my own squad and platoon home. I apologize to the families of my soldiers if I slowed the soldiers’ movement from jet-side to your side. It was a bit of a trial to be in a leadership position and not have the opportunity to bring my men home; but I enjoyed seeing them disappear in the arms of their families. It was also exciting to see most of the wives in Sandie’s FRG reunited with their husbands.
The Battalion was phenomenal in performing their duties in Iraq. Utah can be proud of her soldiers. So many good things were accomplished there in Iraq because of the dignity and honor that this Battalion lent to our specific missions. This is not just because of the caliber of soldier these men are; but the caliber of loving family and friends that support these soldiers individually and collectively.
Memorial Day is the day that we honor our Veterans and Service Members, those still living, those passed on, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. As a service member, it is humbling to even consider standing amongst such great contributors to freedom. I am so honored to serve such a wonderful nation of outstanding citizens. So much, in fact, that I would like to honor and express my appreciation for all of you who have done so much for us, because we soldiers are so grateful and fortunate to have such beautiful people in our lives.
Sandie’s friend, Corrine, writes in her blog the top things that she is grateful for; I thought I would borrow that idea (hope you don’t mind, Corrine). I will try to keep it simple, because this is only a glimpse:
· Girl Scout cookies; Samoas and Thin Mints
· Care packages, no matter how big or small
· Christmas cards, they mean a lot more now
· Letters and cards, mailcall is always the best time of the day
· Scouts and neighbors putting out their flags to welcome a soldier home
· Friends and neighbors sneaking over to shovel the snow for Sandie
· Visiting Teachers and Home Teachers
· The Hugging Kissing Grandmas at DFW Airport
· WWII, Korea, Vietnam, & Desert Storm Vets who thanked us (it is them we owe our thanks) at DFW Airport
· The Girl Scouts and Church Groups who woke up at 0300 to travel to DFW Airport to welcome home soldiers from Iraq at 0700
· Girl Scout cookies, again, how can you say “no”
· American Airlines’ Pilots
· American Legion and the VFW
· First-Class airline passengers trying to give you their seats
· The girls of the FRG (Family Readiness Group) Snow capped Mountains
· Snow capped Mountains

· The Patriot Guard Riders
· My nephew requesting me for “show and tell”
· The “Cousins”
· Family
· Mom and Dad
· Two Awesome little boys

· One amazing Wife

Thank you to every one, we love and appreciate you all so much.