Day 208

The End of the Road

As I write today, it's Friday, November 4th and I am sitting in my home in Ohio. Yes, not Kansas and today, no longer anonymous. Today, I'll take you through Day 208 and introduce you to Dorothy, Tin Man, and Scarecrow. 

Day 208 began with a Skype call to my Tin Man who was VERY excited about the day. Finally, we could say "I'll see you tonight!" Once I told her good morning, her and her sister headed off to school. For me, a few items still remained before I could hop back on the Yellow Brick Road and head HOME. First up was a visit to the doctor. I had a blood draw for HIV and Hepatitis C then met up with the doctor who went over any issues that came up during my deployment. Nothing to speak of, really. She did put a note in there about the horrible air quality in Afghanistan due to burning trash and feces and the dust everywhere. After that, the last thing to do was to get my DD-214 drafted. This is a CRITICAL piece for any veteran getting off of active duty and is a direct tie to any benefits in the future and is proof of service.  I headed on over to the personnel office where I sat down and had them finish it. All of my medals were on there, the mention of serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, dates, and other miscellaneous dates. I found out I was getting another medal for being mobilized here, too. When I was deployed, I had 10 ribbons/medals over 10 years of active duty service. Here, after being mobilized for 7 months, I got 8 more! Dang! Once I got that done, I headed on back to finalize my checkout with the command and I was done.

It was only 11am at this point and we were slated to head to the airport at 2pm. In the meantime, I had some sushi and did some cologne shopping...had to smell good for Dorothy! Once 2pm came around, myself and 3 others headed to the airport and checked in. Pretty much uneventful from this point on. My flight took me from Gulfport, MS to Atlanta for a 2 hour layover followed by the flight home. We were delayed by over a half hour but ended up having a really strong tailwind and picked up much of our lost time and arrived almost on time...around 10:30pm last night in Akron, Ohio. 

So, the plan was this: Dorothy and the girls were going to get through security and come to the gate. They'll do that for returning service-members from deployment. Unfortunately, all of the departing flights for the day were gone and security was shut down. So, when I landed, I immediately got a bunch of accumulated texts telling me they wouldn't be there but would be just outside security. No big deal as Akron is a very small airport. Was I excited? Heck, yea. Honestly, I was still very numb to it all. Like I told Dorothy last night, when I was in Afghanistan it felt like I'd never leave and going home was just a dream...not reality. So now, it was happening but still...even walking off that plane, it was so strange...like it wasn't "really" happening. But it did...and I certainly felt it.

As I came into view of them and them of me, there was Scarecrow...waving to me. As I got even closer, she took off running towards me...over the security line! The Department of Homeland Security guy nearly jumped out of his skin but he immediately saw me and sat back down. Scarecrow was crying and jumped into my arms and I picked her up. Her tough "like Dad" exterior was broken and all I saw was her. By this time, I was there with Dorothy and Tin Man...kisses for Dorothy, hugs for all....and more kisses. It was awesome. The others who had gathered stood back and gave us privacy to say our hello's which was really appreciated. As we turned, the applause broke out and I was blown away...there had to be 50 people there along with their handmade signs. How awesome! I will not list who all was there in fear of forgetting a single name but I remember vividly every person who showed up...at nearly 11pm on a Thursday night to welcome me home. I knew many of them who would be there but I certainly had some surprises, too. Even some running friends showed up! So, I made my way around with hugs and handshakes. I wish I could've spent more time with many of them but I was trying to stay tuned into the time and that baggage carousel that would have my gear around the corner. Once I said my thank-you's to all, I headed on over, claimed my bags, and headed on home.

When I got home, an awesome banner was across my front porch. Hard to see last night, I brought it inside this morning. It is too large to take a good photo so I made a quick video of it. It really is amazing and thanks to Amy and Bekah for doing it. I love it!!! You ladies really outdid yourselves! THANK YOU!!!

So, folks...that is the end. The Yellow Brick Road has landed me at the 100 mile finish line in northeast Ohio. I had thought about how to end this...do I write some more or seal it forever? I decided to seal it effective with today's post.

I want to thank so very many of you but want to focus on just one... Marjie...my love...you are beyond awesome. I love you more than anything or anyone in the world. We ARE a team and WE did this...together. We both struggled many times but we persevered and did it. WE served our country together. Many people will thank me and shake my hand but nearly no one will do that for you. Rest assured, your sacrifice does not go unnoticed. Like I've always said, you are equally serving our country. I am serving no more than you. If not for you, I could not serve. THANK YOU and I look forward to another 19 years plus with you. (I will try to not create too many piles around the house. :-))  )

There have also been a handful of friends/family have supported Marjie on the home front in a very big way. You know who you are and thank you. Thank you so much. Your help in my absence was felt 7000 miles away.

To the many others who continue to send me messages, e-mails, texts, and phone calls...thank you. I have saved EVERY SINGLE ONE so I can reflect back on them. For many of you, I cannot wait to see you on the trails soon and for others, I'll see you in a few weeks at my welcome home party. Thank you so much! Your support does not and did not go unnoticed!!!

So with that, we are at the end. Thank you for following my journey for 208 days and to those who have shown the real, tangible support, thank you so much. I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Keep your priorities in check and never forget that Marine, soldier, sailor, or airman who is serving a half-world away so we can all sleep peacefully beneath the blanket of freedom and do as we please 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Goodnight, everyone.