I thought about that when I first saw the photo. Since his commander allowed it, why can’t other commander’s do so as well? It may have opened up a can of worms by setting a bad precedence for future deployments of other units across the country...
But I wanted to reflect on the tenderness of the photo instead.
I apologize for my post coming across as negative. I do completely agree about the tenderness of the photo and how it reminds us all of how incredibly difficult this is. But for those of us who have been there, done that over and over again, fighting the overwhelming urge to do this very thing, well ... it’s tough to see. If commanders actually allowed this for all who wanted to hold a hand, there would be no formation, by definition.
By the way, FortWorthPatriot ... Your screen name is making me homesick. Can’t wait to get back to Texas. When my hubby retires from the Army in two years, we’re moving back to God’s Country asap.