It was a verrrrry early morning that found us inside the gym on North Fort, and very honestly, it is hard getting up like that.
A lot of us in attendance just stayed up so as not to sleep. So close to the holidays, you might think this was another Christmas sale, or the jolly fat elf himself, but no, this was better!
... Our own Wolfpack, the 63rd Ord, of Fort Lewis came home!
Firefighters sat together in one corner of the room, but shook hands and gave out random hugs. Kids rubbed the sleep from their eyes, some napped, wives chatted anxiously, and the band played on. Whether it was a book, a cell phone, or a friend, everyone found a way to get through the anxious period 'til the Wolfpack made their appearance.
Families came in from all over the country for this reunion. And every time the band started a charged tune, all eyes came to one direction, hoping.
Finally, at almost 6 am, the curtain came up, the crowd jumped to their feet with applause and screams. The 63rd OD was home!
I had hoped to get a reunion shot of the lone Marine standing with a bouquet of red roses for his returning wife, but in the midst of so many hugs, smiles, and tears, lost sight of them. I'm pretty sure they made it just fine! ( ;
Welcome home all of you! We missed you ... You made all of us proud!
Be sure to mark your calendars, we are honoring this unit at the PackOut, on March 8th!
lj
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