Journey Home

Well, my tour in Iraq has come to an end.  Some of you might already know this, but many might not so I wanted to officially post on it.  Whenever the military moves thousands of troops from one place to another there are always glitches along the way.  Sure this trip home had its share of speed bumps, but nothing seemed to bring us down as we did the 'duffle bag drag' everywhere.  Other than scorpions trying to get into your bed, the only real rough part of heading home was seeing others deal with living in really close quarters with absolutely no privacy or room to breath.  For everyone patience was in short supply for the past month, and it seemed that most anything was annoying, too loud, crude, or petty.  We all realized that it was the situation that made things rough on us.  Looking back, I am very proud of my guys for acting so professional and unwavering in our mission to help the Iraqi people.  We even had some last minute maintenance jobs that tried to get the best of us, but our guys showed that going home motivation and knocked them out. 

Apparently most of my guys aspire to be comedians because jokes were in no shortage within the platoon.  Whenever someone left something in our common area, it was found later on strapped to the kitchen table, or wire tied to the ceiling.  My platoon sergeant and I got rushed and taped to our bunks on the night before we left the camp.  Even though SFC C and I were the victims, we loved it and had a blast.  At first I struggled, but then that just invited more muscle to jump in on the action to subdue me.  Once we were taped down, they carried the bunks outside and joked about displaying us in front of our Troop headquarters.  Thankfully they did not go that far with the joke, but if this was our annual training they would have definitely gone the next step.  In the end, one of our squad leaders gave me a knife to cut my way out. 

It was great to see the camp in our rear view mirror, and be heading to a land we call home.  My platoon sergeant and I would just look at each other and shake our heads.  It was that unspoken sigh of relief for us and each person leaving that day. 

Once we got to our destination in the US, we unpacked our duffle bags again, and were in disbelief about where we were.  It was odd to see people walking around in civilian clothes, and with no body armor or weapons (besides the troops training for their tour in Iraq or Afghanistan).  Even as I walked to the mailbox today, I am thankful not to have to worry about incoming mortar or rocket fire.  Its a great country    that we live in today, that it is our right to bear arms, yet most feel safe enough not to carry one every where they go.  While at our demobilization site, we had our normal medical checks, and briefings before we were released to go home.  During our off time a few of us ate at this BBQ restaurant near post.  Great name for a restaurant, and it was no doubt the best BBQ I have ever had.  I know it might be that I just came back from a deployment, and my taste buds are heightened some.  That just gives me more reasons to eat there again the next time I find myself in that city.  We also checked out some of the hurricane damage, and certain areas were hit very hard like this furniture store.  Except for the attention getter out front, the entire store was totaled. 

My wife Tiffany picked me up and we drove home together just chatting all the way.  After stopping by the local armory to sign in, we finally pulled into our driveway.  The dogs were in the back yard, and did not know I was home till they saw me through the sliding door once I stepped inside.  We were all just thrilled to have me home, and for the long haul.  Its been an intense journey, and a rough one at that.  Many people have asked me if I will continue to blog.  I have a few more posts regarding the mission, my spiritual journey, and those who did not come home alive.  Once I feel that I have 'debriefed' myself, the blog will close and this Soldier's life will be shared only with those close to me, Tiffany, Tegan, and Carys (our two dogs).  I thank all of you who supported me throughout this past year.  Please know that you are in my prayers as you step into a new day specifically given to you by God.  Also, remember that it's not about how much time you are given, but what you choose to put into that time.  I love you all, shawn

"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."  Philippians 4:10-13

Comments

[Lara]

Welcome home! It has been great to read about your experiences and your thoughts over this last year. Blessings on the rest of your journey, and we are so glad you are home safely!

[gavin]

welcome home bro. catch up with you over some monday night & alabama football and beverages of choice. love ya -g

[Donna]

Welcome home, Soldier. It's good to have you back. Thank you for all of your posts. It helped so often to read an update from you especially on the days I wasn't hearing anything from the 278th soldier in my family. I am proud of each one of you for what you accomplished. You had an extraordinary record there. Thank you, most of all, for serving for each one of us. You are all heroes.

[Eric]

Welcome home, Lieutenant!

[wilsonkolb]

Hey, welcome back. Glad you returned safe and sound. My feeling about the war notwithstanding, I thank you for your service to our country.

[Grant]

Welcome home, Shawn. So pleased to hear you are home safely.

[Mark (the Shark)]

Shawn, Welcome Home! I am glad to hear that your mission is complete and you are back where you belong. You should be proud of what you have accomplished.

[MissBirdlegs in AL]

Welcome home, Shawn! You guys have much to be proud of. We're all so proud of what you've accomplished, and we thank you. Will keep all of you in my prayers. Thanks for sharing with us a little of yourself and your activities...and I have to say...ROLL TIDE!!

Katy

[m0m]

Welcome Home Son.Cannot tell you how Proud we are of our youngest son and its good to read your latest email and know the guys had a good sense of humour as I know that helped you get thru the year.
I am happy that you and Tiff are back together where you should be.She has had a tough year but been very brave and strong coping and we are proud of her as well.I know the corgis, Tegan and Carys, are thrilled to have their daddy home as well.
Love you .
m0m

[nikki]

The smiles on everyone's faces when deplaning says it all. Welcome Home!! Thanks for all of your bravery and service to our country.
Love ya. Glad you are home safe.

[Parbar West]

Welcome home and thanks.

Enjoy the pleasures of home and family. Accept the accolades that both friends and strangers will offer you. You've earned them.

And let everything else roll off your back. You're home.

Blessings ...

[Meredith]

Yes! So glad that you are home safe and sound. Hope that you have a fabulous re-introduction to your life at HOME! Please keep us (blogging world) updated if we need to be praying for specific future soldiers or you have prayer requests. Again, thank you for your service.

[Sandi Szymborski]

God bless you on your safe return. I have read your blog many, many times seeing as that my own son was also in Iraq and is a poor communicator. You have kept me informed and I am grateful. My son is now also back in the states and it's wonderful to be able to just pick up the phone and talk to him. Hope your family feels the same. Good luck to you and thanks for a job well done. God be with you. Sandi

[Pat Sheridan]

I'm happy that you are home safe. I enjoyed your comments and wish you and Tiffany all the best.

[DannyG]

THANKS!

[Heather Sawyer (!)]

Reading your blog all along your journey has been a blessing, but none so great as reading in your latest post that you are home. I hope to see you and Tiffany soon. God bless and keep you both.

[Eric St.]

welcome back home shawn. Hope you and Tif are doing well.

roll tide my friend,

eric st.clair

[Melanie]

Welcome Home Shawn! Hope you see you around MSI soon.

[Cathy]

Welcome Home and Thank you for your Service to our Country Sir.
Please know that the sacrifices you,your fellow Service Members as well as your families will never be forgotten by this forever greatful American.
God Bless and best wishes to you as you reajust back home with family and friends.

[Billy Elkins]

Welcome home Lt, glad to see you made it home safe. Thank you for your service to this great nation. I am thankful for what you and your guys/girls did over there. Best wishes as you settle back into a sense of normalcy. Thanks again Shawn, tell Tiff I said hi and I hope to see ya'll very soon. Enjoy each other. Love, Billy

[Sonny]

Welcome Home Shawn!
Michelle and I are glad to hear you are home safe and sound.

[tim roberson]

Welcome home Shawn, i'm relieved that you are back in the States and I hope you and Tiffany are doing well. Maybe next time I am in the Music City i will stop in and visit!

tim

[Faith]

Ray is in the National Guard and well active duty army now. I can't wait for his return, as we will be married the following December. That is December of 2006. Visit Ray our website if you want. Congratulations on your safe return. Thank you for defending our freedoms. God Bless You.

[Ann]

THANK YOU for your service for our country! God bless you and your fellow servicemen and women! I hope your readers will continue to support the men and women who are still overseas -- one great way to do that is through all-volunteer, non-profit organizations like Operation Gratitude (www.opgratitude.com)

God bless you, Shawn!

Ann in So. CA

[Chad]

Welcome Home, soldier!

I'm glad to know that your back home with the family. God bless.