On Sunday my family and I had the opportunity to attend the welcome home ceremony for part of the 3rd Infantry Division at Hunter Army Air Field in Georgia. The unit left November 14th, 2009 and returned on Sunday. The Flight for the Freedom Fighters was delayed from Friday to Saturday and Finally arrived on Sunday. We went there for one Freedom Fighter in particular., a Captain of the 3rd Infantry Division, Warlords Attack Helicopter Company. What an emotional Roller Coaster. The emotions were running high all week as the days were counted down and the delays mounted by the day, by the hour, by the minute. We finally arrived at the air field to see the veterans and USO Volunteers, and workers planning for the arrival. Announcements were made, telling you what was happening with them, where they were going to march in, what we were suppose to do, etc. There were friends who had supported the families there, whose fathers, mothers, brothers, sons, who were still deployed but were only there for support. Old acquaintances from wars past were rekindled, memories and stories swapped like bees goin from flower to flower. An old veteran and I swapped stories of being spat on when we returned from VietNam by War protesters. No Fan fair, no thank you other than from immediate family.
I remembered my own journey to and from Vietnam in 1971 and 1972, a much different atmosphere today more than 38 years ago. Leaving my mother crying on the front porch after an emotional good bye; "Michael come back!" Back then you came home one at a time when your time was up or in a flagged draped casket which ever came first, there were some 58,236 killed in Viet-Nam who never made that trip home. I was one of the lucky ones!
Operation Enduring Freedom has had 1396 US Casualties, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom 4427 US Casualties.
As I sat there listening to the Patriotic songs, God Bless the USA, Brought to you Courtesy of the Red White and Blue, The Green Beret song, The National Anthem: I remembered my own friends who never made it back, I remembered some of Travis's classmates from West Point who gave it all for all, I remembered the soldiers from the most recent conflicts who have come home with one less arm, leg, eye, hand, or in some cases quadriplegic, and the concerts that I have been to raise money for homes they could live in that were specialty built for their needs.
I saw Mother and Fathers crying with tears of joy.
I saw little boys and girls crying because their daddy was not there.
Then they opened the doors of the Hanger and the formation of our Hero's came marching in: The pride, the chills and goose bumps, the tears began flowing with joy, gratitude and happiness. Everyone got their hugs in the proper order Wife, Mom, then dad.......then the rest....no particular order after that...
I am a member of The Patriot Guard, a motorcycle group which began to protect families of returning hero's who had made the ultimate sacrifice, to keep protesters away from the funeral. I remember one funeral I went to and rode and stood the line, did not know who he was, did not know his family, did know anything about him other than he gave his life for this country and all that live here. In a small Middle Tn town the widow was 23, no children, much the same age of my daughter. Although the ride from the funeral home to the cemetery was only 2 miles there was not a space along the street where a person was not standing holding an American flag paying their respects.
The now widow was escorted to the funeral by an officer, As the American flag was carefully folded by members of the Honor Guard, hundreds sat in silent reverence of a hero laid to rest, an Army Colonel in Dress Blues told the widow your husband served your country and your community well. He fought the good fight, his job is done. We are in awe of his courage, steadfast loyalty and dedication. We thank him for exchanging all of your tomorrows as the price for our Freedom. May your family’s pain be eased by the pride they have in you. They will remain in my prayers and you will always be a Hero to me.
All gave some and some gave all.
We enjoyed the ceremony and the joyful reunion of family and friends.
Welcome Home Travis
Michael Mack
An American
Begins back the memories of mom on the porch and the basket case she was until you safely arrived back into the states. It sicken's me to know that fellow American's protest and don't appreciate the Hero's that make this country what it is. We as a country, have lost sight of what each service person sacrificed then and now for what that thought was the right thing to do.I'm a lucky brother to have someone that served in the armed forces and another brother that made it 24 year's as a polcie officer. I salute you and Travis and all the armed forces that protect and help make this country the power house that it is. a JOB WELL DONE!!! THANK YOU!!
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