Comments on: The Opposite of Love

By: Danger

Danger — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:52:09 +0000

Kris,

Yes, I left through Maine on my way to deploy. We were greeted then, too. I wasn’t prepared for a reception on my way out-country and, just after having a tearful good-bye on the phone with wife and kids, it was an emotional shocker. Good food, though. A lady handed me a 1-lb bag of hard candy and we munched it all the way to Kuwait. I hope those folks know what a big deal their efforts are. Huge!

By: MissBirdlegs in AL

MissBirdlegs in AL — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:26:31 +0000

OT – Babs, I’ve missed you.

By: SSG Jeff (USAR)

SSG Jeff (USAR) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:01:29 +0000

We got welcomed back from Jordan at Westover Reserve Base… having only been out of the country for 2 months I didn’t feel I deserved it… other than our having to put up with a repeatedly broken C5 Galaxy for the trip back…

The hot dogs and burgers were first rate though!

By: Babs

Babs — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:47:38 +0000

Hey Kris,
My Mom, rest her soul, used to go up to the Bangor airport, sandwiches in tow, to greet military flights.
Mainers are big on sandwiches and coffee!
They would hand them out to everyone getting off the plane for a rest stop. Usually ham salad or crab salad sammies.
She took great pride in their works.
I would love to hear from anyone that ate a ham or crab salad sandwich at the Maine airport. My mother loved all of you so.

By: Kris, in New England

Kris, in New England — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:50:56 +0000

Danger – you likely also went thru the Bangor, ME airport when you first got back to this country. I’m sure the reception you got there was quite similar. My mom lives on the coast of Maine and gets to Bangor a few times a year for travel. She’s been very fortunate each time to see troops coming or going. Hugs, tears, cell phones, goodies – she sees it all and gets to be part of it.

To my endless jealousy.

By: Danger

Danger — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:53:44 +0000

When I returned from Afghanistan this last June there was a crowd in Baltimore welcoming our flight. Mixed emotions, though. I didn’t feel as if I deserved the attention but was happy that no one was there to spit on me either. I just wanted to get home to my family and try to leave the guys and guns behind for a while.
But as I walked past those patriotic folks applauding my return the moment turned to tears as I saw strangers, Americans all, with the same tears in their eyes at my returning and those who flew home with me. We all were weary and beaten by seeing too much suffering and trying to make a difference so I question the look I must have had on my face but inside I was so happy to see them! People are still there, in Baltimore at least, welcoming our soldiers home. As the past four months have passed I find that I am more and more grateful for their effort. Even now, writing this, it hits me hard. Thanks America, love ya right back!