Airport Encounters

Sean and I started a tradition that whenever we are travelling through Dallas/Fort Worth, we find a soldier to thank. It wasn't hard. As soon as I got off the plane in Dallas, I saw a young female soldier on crutches who was waiting for someone who had been on my flight. I thanked her for her service, and she beamed a smile my way. I called Sean to let him know I'd accomplished the task.

Then, as I was waiting in line to board my flight home, I found myself next to a young soldier in ACU's. I asked him if he was on his way home, and he flashed a huge grin. He told me how he'd been in Iraq 18 months and that with the 4 months of training, his tour was 22 months long. He was just 22 years old, and eager to get back to his biggest fans--his wife and his mother. He bubbled over with stories of his time in Iraq and some of the things his unit had accomplished, stories about how his mama was so angry when his unit was held over that she called his commander, stories about the wound that earned him a Purple Heart--TMI! :) He seemed so thrilled that I asked about his tour, and talked on and on enthusiastically--and it was such a small thing really. I'm glad I did. There were actually 3 servicemen on my flight--a soldier who just finished basic training, traveling home in his class A's; an airman in his dress blues, and PFC B., in his ACU's. A safe flight to be on, I'd say.

I came across a touching post today (with the same name!) at A Rose By Any Other Name

I hope PFC B. and his family are enjoying a wonderful homecoming!