Pam loves to fly. She hates the chaos of airports with the parking, security, rude people, long lines, and waiting, but she loves to fly, and the take-off is her favorite part. She could be running late through heavy traffic to DIA, not be able to find a parking spot within the same county as the terminal, be in line through security behind the guy that has to strip down through his first 3 layers of skin to get through the metal detectors, and be seated in the center seat in the middle a section reserved for insomniac toddlers, but when the plane turns onto the end of the runway, the pilot opens the throttles, and she is pushed back in her seat, hardly able to contain herself, she never fails to turn to me with a beaming smile normally seen on children taking their first carnival ride.
I know exactly how she feels.
Last night, our C-17 turned onto the end of the Bagram runway, the cabin lights went dark, and then with brakes holding us fast, the massive engines roared up to full throttle. Suddenly the brakes were released and I was jolted back in my seat as the mammoth aircraft lurched down the runway. A moment later we rotated into I am sure was a space shuttle like trajectory, and at 14:45 Dublin Pub Time I left Afghanistan soil for the last time.
I know I'll be in Kyrygzstan (sp?) for a few days, and I know it will still seem like an eternity before I see Pam or German beer yet, but at 14:45 DPT last night, I was thankful for the darkened cabin so no one could see me with the smile of a child on his first carnival ride and tears in my eyes.
Godspeed Brian!
HH6
Posted by: Household6 | February 08, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Terrific news, Sir! Made tears in my eyes, too. Hope you know how much we appreciate all you & yours have given in our behalf. Safe travels, Katy
Posted by: MissBirdlegs in AL | February 08, 2006 at 06:22 PM
Oh that's exactly how I feel every time I fly too. I sit in my seat during take off with an idiotic grin on my face. I'm so glad you're on your way home. Thank you for taking this year out of your life for making us safer.
Posted by: Teresa | February 08, 2006 at 06:44 PM
YESSSS!! I've been checking on you daily and today you made my day. Happy Trails Sir.
Posted by: Sherri | February 08, 2006 at 08:45 PM
Dear FP5,
Not home but out of the war zone! When I reached the end, there were tears in my own eyes.
Another one safe. Thanks be to God. And thank-you for announcing that fact so expeditiously, because readers really do care.
Next step home to your love. God speed and may He take care of you until you are safely back in Pam's arms.
Last but not least, thank-you for all you have given and sacrificed for your nation during your deployment. We will forever be grateful.
Posted by: Janet in the Heartland | February 09, 2006 at 03:15 AM
OH YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am SOO SOOO HAPPY!
One more US Soldier, safely on his way home from war. Thank you SO MUCH for being there for us and for the Afghan and Pakistani people, and for sharing your experiences with us.
Posted by: AFSister | February 09, 2006 at 08:39 PM
I know that feeling, too! I love flying - dunno why.
Congrats on your progress towards home - excellent news :-)
Posted by: Barb | February 09, 2006 at 10:26 PM
Well done Soldier, welcome home.
Posted by: Salminio | February 10, 2006 at 02:21 AM
Safe travels Sir!
Posted by: David M | February 12, 2006 at 12:00 AM
Tears in my eyes FOR you. Traveling grace to you & those accompanying you!! Thank you.
Posted by: Melinda | February 13, 2006 at 05:24 PM
WHOOOOHOOOO! the second best thing is the takeoff... the best thing is the landing!
Posted by: Some Soldier's Mom | February 14, 2006 at 12:36 AM
Brian,
Congrats on leaving the Stan. I remember the last time I was wheels-up leaving a very shitty place and how it felt. I'm hoping to get that feeling again in six months when I leave here.
Thanks again for all your great writing. It truly enjoyable to read.
-Six
Posted by: Six | February 14, 2006 at 12:18 PM
While all good things must end, and these things must be,
Though two are now leaving they are forever the Trinity.
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