2009.07.31
30JUL09--Reunion in Virginia
Stepping off the plane in Richmond, my stride was a bit faster than normal. After all, I had not seen my wife and two kids since February or lived with my family in 15 months.
I reached the TSA screening point to the site of my family to include my mother, stepfather, niece and father-in-law all waving American flags. My two-year-old son handed me a "Welcome Home Daddy" sign and then promptly stated, "That's not my Daddy."
The long embrace with my wife was as emotional and heart warming as you might expect. And my 16-month-old daughter, whose life I have nearly completely missed, was terrified of me.
By the next day, it already started to seem like I had never been gone. A chapter in our lives is now over.
Entering the lobby of the Richmond International Airport
"Who is this guy?"
Together Again
This will be my final post. I have enjoyed sharing my experiences with the readers of the greater Roanoke Valley and appreciated the personal exchanges. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.
I'm glad u guys are home. Take care "Ranger". You have a lovely family by the way.
Comment by DeLaRosa — August 1, 2009 @ 10:02 am
Nice talking with you yesterday, Richard, and welcome back, soldier!
Those are some wonderful photos...
Thanks!
Steve
Comment by Steve McGraw — August 1, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Rich -
Congratulations on a mission well done and most of all -
Comment by webmaster — August 1, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
WELCOME HOME!!!!
I have appreciated reading your blog for several months now!
you have a beautiful family!
Comment by webmaster — August 1, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Thank you for taking us along for your service to our country. Welcome home. Our pride and thanks are boundless.
Comment by James DiVirgilio — August 2, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
So glad you're home!!!
Comment by Michelle — August 2, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
A wonderful end to your blog. Thanks for sharing and providing an interactive insight into your experiences. Best wishes to you and your family!
-Ed
Comment by Ed S. — August 2, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
Welcome home and thanks for your service!! Rah Virginia Mil
Comment by Brandon Lindsey — August 3, 2009 @ 9:10 am
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 08/03/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Comment by David M — August 3, 2009 @ 10:39 am
My family and I our forever indebted for your sacrifice! Thank you for keeping my family safe!
God Bless you and your family. I hope your dreams come true!
Thank you!
Comment by Frank — August 4, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Rich, welcome home!!! The country is very lucky to have people like you (& your teammates) serving us. Godspeed & enjoy your downtime.
Comment by Fred Way — August 4, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
We are so glad that you are home and with your family. Your mom can breathe again! Good luck in law school!
Ken and Cam
Comment by Cam Srpan — August 5, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
Richard,
Glad you are home safe and sound. Well done.
Tom
Comment by Tom Mall — August 6, 2009 @ 11:47 am
I'm happy you made it back safe and sound, and I'm thankful for your service. What's next? I hope you find a way to keep writing.
Comment by Lynn Robertson — August 13, 2009 @ 2:20 am
From the RT article at the heading
-- Detachment 1 of the 229th Military Police Company, with about 50 soldiers, will relocate to Virginia Beach and consolidate with the rest of its company. That detachment was recently deployed to Iraq.
Comment by Henry — August 14, 2009 @ 12:57 pm