Uncase those colors!!!

11 October 2007 -- They're home!  They're home!

 

It's been well over a year since our brave men and women of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team 2nd Infantry Division "Arrowhead", were home and safe with their friends and loved ones.

 

The various units began returning in September, now it was time for the uncasing of the colors.  The flags of our Stryker units are flying once more on our base ... Which officially means ... THEY ARE HOME!

 

And so it was that the weather Gods of Washington took a shine over Fort Lewis, and Mount Rainier stood proudly in the distance to represent for a state hard hit with deployments and loss.

 

Looking out at Gray Army Airfield, the soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, facing the assembled gathering of loved ones friends, and supporters for their efforts.

 

Brigadier General Donald M. Campbell, and Brigade Commander Colonel Stephen J. Townsend, stood at the helm, overseeing a perfect ceremony.

 

Then they stepped it up, and a very fresh looking Stryker vehicle made its entrance, retrieving the reviewing party from front and center.  It then circled around, stopping momentarily in front of each Company.  The crowd loved it, and it was very much a great show for & from our Strykers.

 

But just as we thought we'd seen the end, came the absolute crowning moment for every one with a heart and a tie to our troops.  It was announced that they could not proceed because not all of their returned troops were in formation. 

 

With that, from either side of the red, white & blue tents, came our wounded warriors.  Some on crutches, some limping, still bandaged, some rolling out in their wheelchairs ... all bringing tears to even the strongest soldiers in the crowd.  The Stryker Brigade has sacrificed so much, and still they stand strong and proud ... it is testament to the men and women wearing the uniforms that serve our nation.

 

Everyone in the crowd realized the meaning of this moment.  Next to the podium as I snapped photos, there was a gentleman in a wheelchair.  Several seats to his left an elderly gentleman caught my eye.  Both of these strong men stood, with great effort to do so, to pay their respects.  Turning to my right, the eyes of a soldier involved in the ceremony drew me in.  He never let a tear fall, he stood powerful silent in his position, but his face said everything in his heart.  This is one of those moments that is now imprinted and will stay with me forever.

 

For the uncasing ceremony, veterans from varying eras of service gathered proudly to participate in raising the colors once more on their home turf.

 

Another moment that I will cherish was taking a few family photos for a soldier who lost both legs.  I did not want to to assume anything in taking his picture, and I never want to exploit anyone's life situation.  I asked if he was okay with a full view shot, and he informed me with a smile that he had "... earned those legs."

 

He had a huge smile, and an air of pride about him as he posed in his chair with his new legs inthe forefront.  The pride hung in the air, buoyed by his family.  The love for him was patently obvious.  His wife draped herself around his strong, straight shoulders.   Her smile, and the twinkling in their eyes, spoke to the love in this union.  His children were reluctant to step away from him as I needed another angle.  This their father, and they are proud.  Even his mom-in-law ... We laughed as she hugged him so tight it was almost a choke hold.  I was surprised to hear this was not his birth mother.

 

We see a lot of wounded troops.  Some you worry about ... I have no worries about this man.  Only respect!

 

All around, families hugged and posed with their returned heroes.  Even though they had returned weeks before today, it was a homecoming.  Our heroes were home!  Soldiers smiled widely, and did the traditional Hero To Hero "BadAss" shot ...

 

Over to one side of the parade area a large gathering was happening.  The 5-20th (Jake was in Charlie Company) was making a special presentation.

 

A large trophy appeared as we heard about the "Race to Iraq".  Started by members of the 5-20 Family Readiness Group (FRG). The idea was to "walk" to Iraq, by doing the equivalent in miles of walking/exercise to span the gap from Fort Lewis to Iraq. 

 

If I heard correctly (And please feel free to write me the complete story ... I'll post it) it is about 6,821 miles, and the base got involved walking the distance about 17 times!   The 5-20 wives raised the cup high in the air, jubilant in their efforts, as their soldiers clapped for them.

 

With that, it was back to the hangars, where Teddy Bear's BBQ & Catering, once more stepped up for the cause of troop support, and provided a delicious meal for all in attendance.  And of course, if you're in Washington, you must have beautiful apples.  Add to that, trays & trays of Oreo cookies, and free ice cream provided by Cool Cycles Ice Cream Co., ... and you've got some happy tummies, young & old!

 

In the background, a very talented sax player added ambience.  Near the doors, efforts to raise funds for the new Stryker Brigade memorial continued.  This will be very impressive, and has been hard-earned by the soldiers and their loved ones.  **You can reach Tom Grandy about the effort, at Arrowhead Soldier and Family Fund -- grandyt@yahoo.com

 

Sitting outside the hangar was the very Stryker vehicle that had gone the length of the assembled troops.  Children clamored over it, soldiers posed with their folks, sweethearts, and more.  There was such obvious pride.

 

And there were moments of tears mixed with that pride, for the troops who were not with us.  Parents hugged, and held each other close, with strong, yet wounded smiles for the day.   Over their hearts they wore photos of their Hero.  They came to honor, they came to memorialize, and they came, hopefully to heal.

 

The crowds thinned as we all made our way to our cars.  Behind us the Stryker fired up, and rolled quietly out the gates.

 

What came out of this day was the renewed reality that there is only one thing stronger than our troops, and that is the love of the families who waited for this day for so long.

 

We love you all.  We salute each and every troop of the 3-2 Stryker Brigade ...

 

Welcome home!

 

lj & the HeroToHero.US teams

 

PS ... These are your smiles, your photos.  It may seem like there are a lot of duplicates, but there are a lot of troops, and I hope each of them got to see how good they looked today.  Click "View Larger", and you can cut and paste these for your use.  Please credit the HeroToHero.US Troop Morale Campaign if you post them elsewhere.

 

And be sure to mark your calendar for the March 8th PackOut of the Hero Shirts for the troops outthere now!  More to follow.

Tags: 3-2 Stryker Bde, Stryker, Fort Lewis, 5-20th, Homecoming, Memorial, Uncasing, Hero, wounded