Return of Da Grunt

WOO-HOO!!!!

I have been holding back because, as a Mom, I guess there is something in me that was afraid of jinxing this at the last minute. So I didn't want to say anything until he was safe on US soil, but ....

Da Grunt is HOME!!!

That's right -- Jarhead Dad's son Kris is back from Iraq, safe and sound. It just doesn't get any better than this:

See this smile on my face? It will have to be surgically removed! ;-)

Kris is good to go. He looks a bit worse for wear but he and the Corps feel he's fit for duty!

We pretty much partied for two days and then laid around for another. I learned for certain that I am way too damned old to try and drink with 20 something Jarheads! OUCH! I still haven't recovered! What a great bunch of young men those guys are. Janice and I both broke down a bit when they hoisted one to their lost comrades and the ones wounded in action. That was a touching moment that I will always carry with me. What I found really nice is the way these guys carry themselves and look you dead in the eye. I kept thinking about all those stories the MSM wrote about our boys being constantly "scared" etc., and just shook my head. Those boys may know fear but they sure aren't afraid of anything that walks this planet!

The guys were all pretty much like Kris, rode hard and put up wet but the spirit in them was astounding! Yeah, they were still wired and fired up with the normal language that goes with it all but they were so clean of mind, body, and soul that we "got it". I'm afraid my daughter came in for quite a bit of attention that her brother had to squash a time or two and she was loving it! Add four more gray hairs there! ;-)

I found it interesting how the interaction works with these guys. There is definitely a pecking order and rank doesn't mean diddly when it comes to who's at what end of the order. They treat each other with something akin to reverence but at the same time will knock the snot out of one another simply for fun! Rough and tumble United States Marines! God how I looked with envy on their youth and at the same time could stand and cheer at their heroism! As long as we have Marines like these America will always remain safe and secure!

The thing that made me probably the most proud of them was the way they treated their Mothers! Mothers carry more weight than the Commandant of the Corps and make no mistake about it! I saw a young Captain and young Major jump at commands from Moms. I bet those guys could stare down an AK with less indifference! It was funny to watch all the Marines with all of the Moms! I can now say without a doubt that the United States Marine Corps Moms are the backbone and lifeblood of the Corps! And it was really funny to watch! ;-)

The stories were intense and nothing was held back. Some extremely poignant, some extremely sad, some extremely hysterical, and all extreme. These guys are intense and the world they just left is just as intense. Not one Marine didn't believe in their mission, CiC, or their core belief that they made a difference. They know their sacrifices were not in vain and believe the mission will be completed. Their interaction with the regular Iraqis surprised me a good bit and they are all for them. When they spoke of the "hajis" that intense light burned in their eyes and then softened again when they spoke of the "regs". They absolutely adored the Iraqi kids and think Allawi can walk on water. Along with George W. Bush I might add!

Since this Homecoming was radically different than the last one I'd have to say that this should qualify as our first. The guys came out dripping sand although they cleaned up the best they could. They looked strong and tailored albeit a bit "scrawny". The Corps knows how to allow a family some private time and everything was well organized. I'm sure the city of Jacksonville, NC is pleased to see those Marine Dollars back in town too! ;-)

I'd like be the first to welcome Kris back and thank him and the 2/2 for a JOB WELL DONE.

These guys have suffered much on our behalf, and I know they don't really expect anything in return. But we sure as helk owe them something. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask that you take the time to say thanks to Kris and the 2/2 in the comments section, and I will send a link or simply paste it into an email and send it to JHD.

I want these guys to know how much we appreciate what they've done for us during the days and weeks to come.

God bless you, Marine- and thanks. You have our respect and our gratitude. There are two quotations that I have always loved, and strangely they are both recent:

"No one should pass an American in uniform without saying “Thank you, we are grateful.” Always mindful that they are prepared to risk all their dreams so that all of us can reach ours.”
- Secretary of Defense, William Cohen at the Memorial Ceremony for the service members that died aboard the USS Cole.

But more importantly:

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference, and our Marines don't have that problem."
- President Ronald Reagan, 1985

As you look back on your experiences in Iraq, some memories will cause you tremendous pride, some will make you laugh, some may even make you cry, some may haunt your dreams for years. War is an ugly thing even when the cause is just, and not all healing is of the flesh. It takes time, but you are young and strong and you will face this as you have faced, and overcome, other challenges.

The important thing, and what I hope you will take from this when you've had time to absorb it all, Kris, is that you and the rest of the 2/2 stepped up to the plate. We will not forget what you did for us. And we will remember those who fell fighting at your side.

You faced the great challenge of your generation and were not found wanting. And for that, your nation is forever grateful.

You will never know how much.

- Cassandra