and a huge thank you! In the past 6 years you have endured 2 tours of duty in Iraq, one tour in Kuwait, one in Korea, one in Afghanistan, and one in Germany. You were not escorted to your home by the police and fire departments because that is so not who you are and would have hated it. Instead you were welcomed with a huge party comprised of those who know and love you - your friends and their families, your neighbors, and your family and their friends. All of us are so proud of you and in some way or another, helped either you, your family, or the zillions of kids you encountered during your 6 long years away and were proud to be at your welcome home party.
Please know that when you announced your decision last night to re-up, we all will still be there to support you and your family in any way possible. Enjoy your time home!
THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
~Thomas Paine, 1776
