Welcome Home 82nd Airborne Div.

WOW... I have never experienced something so amazing!As some of you may know I have a dear friend whose husband left around the same time Jonathan did except Michael (my friends Husband) was headed to Iraq. His specialty... Infantry! Talk about scary!!!!Okay so here is the story from today, be prepared to get chills.. (pictures to follow) About 7:45am I pull into the base following the many signs pointing diffrent directions reading "homecoming ceremonies" The excitement began to build as I came to the area to park. I pulled into the parking lot where I met up with my friend Amanda. Her face full of excitement, yet pure horror. With in seconds of getting the kids out of the car it was time to load the buses and head to the AIR field. We piled on the bus... people standing in the aisles. The cool crisp Weather made the tempature on the bus just right. I heard whispers of the plans some had to "attack" thier loved ones as soon as they see them, others simply just fighting back tears from just the thought of getting to finally see thier loved ones. With in about 5 minutes we were pulling into the Area set aside for homecoming ceremonies, we were led into a hanger where flags were held proudly.. Children were jumping up and down, tiny hand held flags waved back and forth as anticipation began to build. Over the Sound system came out an annoucement saying "We have tracked the plane about 30 minutes out... sit tight and we will inform you when its time to head outside" With that being said a few anioux wives, including my friend Amanda jolted out the door, I bundled up the children and headed out myself. Amanda took her spot agianst the white rope, drapped with flags of red, white and blue. Silence broke through all the small chit chat and a laugh here or there. In the background you could hear the local highschool band playing some familiar army songs.... Then over the sound system rang, everyone proceed to the field to see the plane arrive. Everyone begans pouring out the doors, Signs began to wave and the silence disappeared with excitement. Everyone's eyes were to the sky... then all the sudden out broke a voice "LOOK!!!!! THERE IT IS" those four words were like magic, Everyone shifted thier eyes to right in the sky and off in the distance in the beautiful blue sky you could make out the tiny outline of the plane. I look over at Amanda..her eyes flooded with tears, her smile remained but burried under her fear, and excitement. The cold weather and frozen fingers were of no issue. Finally TOUCH down the plane landed... then in a loud burst the crowd began to ROAR! "Welcome home Hero's!" Arms were waving the clapping and screaming got louder as the plane got closer. Finally after minutes that seemed like hours the plane came to a rolling stop in front of us. The stairs were then moved into place and the door opened, Once agian the crowd roared. Tears still flowing, Everyone's eyes glued to the massive plane that sat still in front of them. Minutes passed and no one was getting off the plane you could feel the aniexty in the air. FINALLY after many moments of silence, the first soldier stepped off the plane. "HERE THEY COME!" shouted one.. "WELCOME HOME 101st!" shouted another. Screamed of happy wives rang through the air. "HERE COMES MY DADDY!" Shouted a little voice. The soldiers poured of the plane, walking ever so calmly by us... and straight into the hanger. Some waved to thier families, others searched frantically for a quick peek of the family they have been missing for so long. Others held thier heads up high and didn't even look into the crowd. Clapping and waving continued until the last soldier stepped off the plane.Finally, we quickly made our way back into the hanger, the guys already lined up in full formation. Amanda and I ran back ot the back of the formation where we searched for Michael, with in seconds we spotted him. Michael Michael she yelled! And then he looked... Blowing a sweet kiss her way, she just melted. Her smile was just amazing.. it was like a little girl realizing happiness for the first time. We were told to stand behind a certain line. Amanda kept her eyes on Michael who was only feet away. A short speech was given, then a standing ovation followed to thank our men and women. Finally with a salute.. the men were released. And before I could even look over to Amanda she was gone... She dove into the crowd of uniforms and right into Michaels Arms. Burying her head in his shoulder. Hugging for minutes it seemed, not wanting to let go. A long sweet kiss followed and a smile that was priceless came across Michaels face. For 20 minutes we visited with Michael as Amanda stood proudly by his side. Then they were to return out to the plane to unload and do equipment check. I have never been so proud in my life. Watching the fathers hold thier children, kiss them, watch the wives clutch to thier loves... WOW. What a proud moment. One I will surely never forget. I felt so blessed to be there. here are some pictures I was able to take... Amanda waiting outside for the plane to arrive. The plane is spotted and Amanda begans to cryTouch down!The plane coming aroundhere they come! into formation inside the hangerAmandas got him!speechlessChannel 5 news talking to Michael and AmandaI have to say I honestly feel completely blessed to have been there!!!! SO AMAZING!!!!!!!!