Departure

Jan. 8, 2010 9:38pm mountain time

Okay! So even though I don’t have internet connection to officially post this, I figured there’s no way today can’t be written about. So I am typing this and saving on computer to post later.

We are in Texas now! Getting stuff together before we leave the country. Today was good. I thought I was going to lose my mind and cry like a baby but I only got a little teary-eyed over one incident. But first, we’ll go through the day.

Woke up, rushed last minute details and drove to the armory. Where it was PACKED. We have a huge parking lot and I can’t believe I managed to find a space. Ran in, took my last two bags to the office and went to formation. We formed up a little later again for our ceremony. Lots of important people there, I figured there would be but it didn’t dawn on me I guess. So we did that, long formation. Then basically got to hang around with friends and family. That was clearly the best part. My cousins came and we laughed and laughed and took a bajillion pictures. Mom and Katrina and Sue also came. Not much to say, lots of laughter and good luck and God speed. This is what made me all teary-eyed:

Our family readiness guy Scottie told Becky and I he wanted to see us together before we left. So, we got together and he just immediately started crying and pulled out a metal bracelet that said, “Protect the National Guardsmen of Tennessee”, something along those lines. Well, he said everytime a unit deploys he wears that bracelet in honor of someone until they return home. He said he was wearing it in honor of Becky and I and not taking it off until we returned safely. Awwww! Becky lost it, I couldn’t hardly understand what he was saying and I got all teary-eyed. It was definitely the highlight of the day. GREAT and AMAZING friends came out, I can’t tell you how many of my battle buddies families grabbed me and just sobbed. It was very touching. EXTREMELY TOUCHING. So we loaded up the buses, drove off with police escorts to the airport. THAT was my favorite part =) They would like fly around cutting people off to let us go, people would stop in the middle of the road, some pulled off, got out of their cars and waved. Definitely the best. I am super excited and I’m not sure if it will hit me later, I thought it would by now but it hasn’t. Flight went well and this part of Texas is really pretty. Beck and I are going shopping tomorrow since we’re pretty much off, just have a formation and couple of other things. Today was an amazing day, I’m so thankful to be here and on our way =) I think it’s easier for a soldier than for their support because we know what we have to accomplish and we’re busy pursuing the mission. So, if you have had interaction with the military and put up with our craziness first hand, THANK YOU! What we do is way easier than what our support does. Maybe I’m just young and dumb, but its just way too easy to get paid to do what you love with the people you love. Until next time, later taters!