It was a big day today for our family. My oldest son David was given his honorable discharge from the US Army yesterday after nearly 5.5 years of service. He arrived back home early this morning.
David was in boot camp when the US invasion of Iraq took place. He served a 12 month tour on the DMZ in South Korea plus 12 and 15 month deployments in Iraq. He has just been away from his wife and three kids for another 2 months outprocessing at his base in Colorado Springs.
We're glad to have him home.
I first caught up with him at noon today, after he'd had maybe 3 hours of sleep. While young Miss B was napping and his wife was teaching at her post at the local community college, David was just enjoying being with the 4 year old twins...who were waaaaaaay less sleepy than Daddy. Never mind...it was all right, being together again.
Plans are for David to take some time getting reaquainted with the family he's missed so much of, then begin coursework in the fall towards a Physician's Assistant degree, building on his Army medic experience.
Rejoice with us...we've all persevered.
11 comments:
I am rejoicing, my friend! Good luck to your son in his new endeavors, and thank you all for your service.....
Great news! I hope he can jump back in where he left off. I know you'll all be there together for the journey.
This past weekend we went to a Padres/Dodgers game at Petco Park in SD. Sunday is Armed Services Day. The Padres have special cammo jerseys and one of the upper sections is full of Marines. It was very cool to see them all file in and carry out there own trash as well. Sometime during the game they played the Marine Corps Anthem over the PA, everyone was on their feet, pretty cool. My 17 year old commented that he thought they deserved better seats. I thought that was a great thought.
PS. I see someone snuck a Wheaton shirt on one of those little energetic guys. Nice.
Oh, Joe, how wonderful for you and your family, and especially for those grandbabies of yours. I wish David all the luck and blessings of the world.
That's just awesome! : ) : )
Happy Day! Know you are thankful to have your son home.
Yay!
this is the best news i've read in a LONG time. i can only imagine the joy and relief of having him home on a permanent basis now! please let him know the thanks we have for his service.
Great news!!! Nothing is more important than family.
That must be a good feeling for him as well as the rest of the family. I hope he is able to enjoy some quality time with the boys.
Joe,
You must be proud! There is nothing more important in the military than the professional enlisted corps. They are the backbone of our military.
My hat's off to Susan, Gretchen, and you for your sacrifices to raise a wonderful family while David was deployed.
God's blessings as David, Susan and the kids settle into a normal-family-life routine again.
Mat
Leaving a life like that after 5.5 years will require some special perseverance of its own. Good luck and patience to all.
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