Welcome Home Mission - Texas

November 25, 2009
Wichita Falls, TX

Last Sunday we loaded The Ride on a trailer and pointed ourselves toward our hometown in Texas. It was our 38th anniversary. We usually spend our anniversary on the road to somewhere. The plan was to spend a week visiting with family and friends over Thanksgiving.

Soon after our arrival we learned of a mission we could attend with Dad and his fellow Patriot Guard Riders of North Texas. A Welcome Home Mission! Although we have been members of the Patriot Guard for quite some time, I have been on only one mission (with Dad) before this, as an observer. So, technically - this was mine and Tim's first mission of this sort. How perfect is it that we could stand the flag line with Mom and Dad and some old and new friends!

It was good to see Gary and JeanAnn and, Joe and Sherry. We had the pleasure of meeting Ray and Laura - you guys are great! And, we finally had an opportunity to meet Nubbin and Angela and Sabrina and Ethan. Nubbin, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed meeting you and Angela for real...

It was a proud moment for us. We welcomed home two flights of troops with flags standing proud, cheers, whistles, and loud applause along with a few handshakes and many a thank you with teary smiles. We witnessed one proposal - she said YES! And we learned of at least one more proposal but that young man could not be convinced to do it on camera.

Afterwards, about 20 of us gathered for dinner and conversation at the Cracker Barrel. In attendance were: Ted, Inez, Vickie, Tim, Gary, JeanAnn, Joe, Sherry, Ray, Laura, Ray, Cindy, Nubbin, Angela, Sabrina, Ethan, and belated arrival Kenny. What great company!

I snapped a few photos, of course (since John couldn't make it - you gotta get better soon, man). I'm not real good in close crowds and I'm short so the photos leave a little to be desired but they are not all back and buckle shots - LOL!