The Long Journey Home

I posted this at my place, but since I haven't been terribly active lately I'm posting here too! seriously, life sneaks up on ya - I have like 5000 emails from ya'll and haven't read a one! My sincerest apologies.

This took place during my flight home from Austin.

Whilst waiting for my flight from ATL to Pittsburgh, I had the good fortune to be surrounded by very handsome men in desert fatigues. Liking myself a man in uniform, and also curious to see from where these young men (and women) were returning, I struck up a conversation with the four seated immediately to my right.

Luck would have it that these young men and one woman were returning that day to their hometown of Pittsburgh from an extended stay in Iraq. Later I'd learn that a number of the 20 or so in the group were also returning from Afghanistan. After thanking them, each and everyone, for their service I got to thinking. "I shouldn't be the only one that knows they are returning from the desert. They should be applauded for their efforts, for watching my back and for keeping us safe!

So, I slipped a note to my flight attendant which read:
"You may have noticed the uniformed young men and women who boarded this plane today. They are just returning to Pittsburgh from Iraq and Afghanistan and I think that they deserve our collective thanks."

And she passed it to the pilot who read it upon our descent into Pittsburgh. Everyone on the plane erupted into cheers and applause. The remainder of our time on the plane you could hear "thanks" and "welcome homes" ring out. It was well deserved.

I have a picture of two of our heros. They said that I could post it here if I'd like and I do. So, to these two and so many more like them - thank you for your service!