Once in Ramstein, I traveled on Patriot Air, a civilian airline that flies military members home. The plane was regular, if slightly old, 767 packed with over 240 soldiers, sailors, and airmen, most of the returning from Iraq or Afganistan; we had a civilian flight crew, and even watched Iron Man.
After landing and clearing customs, and on my way to the USO, I was shocked to hear cheers and clapping from around the corner. At least 200 hundred people, women, children, and old men, were gathered there, waving American flags and wearing bright smiles. They were welcoming the soldiers home and thanking them for their service. It was incredibly moving, and slightly awkward, since I didn't deserve their praise - at least not like these men and women returning from the war zone. It did give me a new appreciation for the citizens who volunteer to assist returning soldiers, like these people, and those at the USO. Unless you've been there, no one can truly appreciate how emotionally challenging it is to be away, and then return.
In stark contrast to the ease of travel on public transportation in Europe, I had a real problem getting from BWI to my car in New Jersey. I ended up renting a car from Hertz one-way, leaving it at a teeny tiny airport in Trenton, and then catching a $80 cab the rest of the way. In hindsight, I never once considered Amtrak.
When I finally got to my car, I was happy for the familiar comforts of a different pair of jeans than the same one you've been wearing for the last three weeks, flipflops that have been with you since hawai'i, and music you knew the words to.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment