..that felt like 111 to get to my final destination. I’m not sure if I will get this entire experience in one blog so it may be split up for your reading enjoyment. Maybe I should make it 11 installments.
Seriously though, I left the States in the wee hours on the 8th of May and got to my new station on the 18th. Here’s the story of my journey:
As I already mentioned, we left under a cloak of darkness on the 8th of May. We had to check out of our barracks in SC, load our bags on the truck and clean our spaces. We were done with all of this by 2pm on Saturday, the 7th. Then, we waited…and waited…and waited in the blistering heat some more for night to fall and our departure time to arrive.
Sometime around 11pm that night, motorcycles arrived flying oversize American flags on their bikes and grateful sentiments in their hearts. We loaded our busses as these well-wishers escorted us all the way to the terminal. It really was heartwarming to see but the best was yet to come.
When we reached the terminal and got off the bus, I heard clapping as we entered the hanger. There was close to 200 people of all ages there to wish us well on our way overseas. It still brings tears to my eyes to think of the gesture. They clapped for each of us as we entered. The Girl Scouts were there with free cookies, the Boy Scouts were there with homemade survival cord bracelets, local government representatives, church groups, veterans’ groups and patriotic people were there thanking us. They served us our final meal in the United States with pizza, nachos and Krispy Kremes. They offered us dolls to beat up on during stressful times, snack bags for the trip, Bibles and all the hugs we could want.
As we entered the plane, the entire group formed a pathway for us with American flags and every person thanked each of us as we headed to the plane. Some people shook our hands and some insisted on hugs. I was carrying a laptop bag, a backpack and two weapons. Beyond being amazed and honored at the support we had, I was also a little afraid I would hit someone in the head with the butt of my rifle. I wish I could thank each organization that went out of their way in the middle of the night to ensure we felt appreciated but unfortunately, the entire evening was a bit of a blur.
We boarded the plane and finally settled in for a long flight. Stacie and I shared a 3-seat row and before long most of the plane’s occupants were fast asleep. I dreamt of family and friends I knew I would miss. Fortunately, I felt like they were with me in the faces and handshakes of the good people in South Carolina.
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