Nice article about returning Reserve unit

[leatherneck]

I don't care whether you are opposed or supportive of the war (and don't want to know which is why I'm putting this article in General Discussion) but attached is a very heart warming article about the return of a Reserve unit to its base in Ft. Thomas: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080523/NEWS0103/805230400.

 

Welcome home Ladies and Gents and thank you so very much for your sacrifices. A very wise President once stated something to the effect of: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

 

The folks in this unit and all the other units worldwide serving this great country have proven that they understand JFK's message.

[Birdsfan]

I was up there for the homecoming. It was quite an emotional experience! I'll try to put up some pictures of their return, shortly.

[MrsFairFan]

I am so glad they made it home safe. Going through this with FF I understand what they are dealing with. And the emotion that comes along with it. I actually know one of the wifes of a solider that went over with that unit from Ft Thomas and she has dealt with it a couple times, and she was very helpful to me when I went through it. Never again do I want to do that again, but I have to admit, the experience really makes you take a whole new outlook on life and your relationship with your family. God Bless.

[leatherneck]

I am so glad they made it home safe. Going through this with FF I understand what they are dealing with. And the emotion that comes along with it. I actually know one of the wifes of a solider that went over with that unit from Ft Thomas and she has dealt with it a couple times, and she was very helpful to me when I went through it. Never again do I want to do that again, but I have to admit, the experience really makes you take a whole new outlook on life and your relationship with your family. God Bless.

 

Very well stated MrsFairFan. Please know that the sacrifices you and FF have made are truly appreciated by this country.

 

BF, thank you for attending yesterday's Welcome Home event and I can't wait to see the pictures.

[Birdsfan]

BF, thank you for attending yesterday's Welcome Home event and I can't wait to see the pictures.

It was quite an adventure. I "broke down" in front of the armory and had to have a back-up unit brought up to get over the rest of the way to the festivities.

[Birdsfan]

People were lined up all along the road back to the reserve center. A large banner was hanging over the road. At the center itself, there was a huge crowd. They had a DJ playing and giving announcements. They had refreshments, and even an inflatable play area for the kids. It was very much a festival atmosphere.

 

As the troops approached you could feel the electricity in the air. Everyone had a flag or a sign or a camera...or all three. Reports of their arrival time occasionally wafted through the crowd and raised the excitement level a little more.

 

Just before the buses arrived, a soldier came through and told all of us that the buses were going to come in on the other side of the circle that goes around the facility. So, the entire welcoming crowd had to pic up and scramble over to the opposite road. I managed to squeeze in to the front row, by intimidating a small child -- I was so proud.

 

Finally they arrived. The two bus-loads were escorted by a couple soldiers on a military ATV (pictured below) and a contingent of motorcycle riders. These motorcycle guys are always on hand to escort the arriving troops.

 

The buses unloaded in the back of the reserve center. The soldiers went through the center and emerged out the front door, to a mass of screaming family and friends and patriotic music blaring over loudspeakers. It was quite a moment.

 

Here are some pictures from welcome home ceremonies:

[Birdsfan]

Motorcycle escorts

[Birdsfan]

The first bus.

[Birdsfan]

The second bus.

[Birdsfan]

Second bus again. You can sort of see the soldiers inside on this one. The girl on the left had her face painted and was wearing a special 478th family T-shirt. Each shirt was personalized, based on the wearer's relationship to their soldier, i.e. my daddy, my brother, my husband...

[Birdsfan]

A few of the soldiers arrived in private vehicles. This guy had a cool Mustang.

[Birdsfan]

This was the front door of the reserve center, where the soldiers came out to meet their families. The sidewalk was lined with a formation of veterans holding large flags. The guy on the far left is the DJ with his equipment.

[oldrambler]

Great Pics Birdsfan and thank for posting them.

 

Welcome home to our Military heroes from Ft. Thomas you are appreciated. I respect you and could never thank anyone in our military enough for what they do for us everyday so that we may continue to enjoy the American way of life.

[oldrambler]

 

Welcome home Ladies and Gents and thank you so very much for your sacrifices. A very wise President once stated something to the effect of: Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

 

The folks in this unit and all the other units worldwide serving this great country have proven that they understand JFK's message.

 

Well said my friend, very well said. :thumb:

[Birdsfan]

The veterans and bikers saluted or put their hand over their heart as the soldiers walked between them.