Our Soldier is Home!
March 20th, 2008
During this Iraq War, there is seldom a time when we have an opportunity to show our support for the great sacrifices that our Armed Forces are making for us. On March 8th, I had the opportunity, and privilege, to welcome home my brother-in-law, Michael Sanger.
In the early morning hours, and during an upstate NY snowstorm, the small group of approximately 35 soldiers arrived at the gymnasium of Ft. Drum in Watertown, NY.
My wife Doriane, 3 year old daughter Lara, my sister Carrie (with John in tow), and parents, waited anxiously with families. At 4am, the mood was festive, especially with a band to welcome them. We certainly worried about the connections and health of the soldiers over the past 15 months.
While watching another report on television this morning about returning soldiers to MA, a father made the observation that this war is really happening for soldier’s families and friends, but is not felt by the general public.
We are lucky to have this luxury! Even having a close family member like Michael, the war did not affect me over the past 5 years like I think it “should have”.
My sister gave birth to their baby boy, John Alden Sanger, while Michael was overseas. He had 2 weeks leave last May to visit. John has one thing to say, if he could talk:
Welcome Home Daddy!
What a great experience it was for me to welcome back the troops. I really felt honored and humbled by this very “normal” group of soldiers. Thank you for allowing me to have a proud and amazing group to share with my daughter. I can tell you one thing, she knows who to look up to… and it is not Spider-man or Paris Hilton.
Lara’s Uncle Mike is a hero.
We stood awaiting the troops next to Michael’s good friend, Val. He is in a wheelchair after a sniper’s bullet damaged his spine. There was also another from the group that did not make it to the ceremony.
Now Michael is home, getting to know his son, and trying to catch up with the past year without Carrie, his wife and my sister. They have an amazing struggle to get thru over the next coming months.
I wish them the very best and I want to say again, to both of them:
Thank you, and it is an honor to call you my family.
Categories: Events in Community
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We too, are grateful for the sacrifices the soldiers, and their familes, have made to keep this country safe. No coincidence we have been essentially terrorist attack free since 9/11. You go freely, which to fight for the American way. So glad to have you home.
The Weidmans