[dutchess]

Just returned from sunny Keys to cold and snow...ugh....Stayed basically news and FR impaired except for a daily couple minute "check in" and have spent the first 1/2 hour at home reading about our wonderful president's Thanksgiving surprise on the various threads...I just posted below what I wrote on one of those about my experience today with many young men and women returning home today for a 15 day furlough. What special folks....

Flew into Dayton via Atlanta a while ago. Many young soldiers are coming home for a 15 day furlough. Actually three on our plane...(many more in Atlanta making other connections and were spending time on the payphones talking to friends and loved ones....I wanted to do something like maybe lend someone my cellphone but didn't want to interrupt them) They looked so young, sweet and excited. Those on our plane were greeted in Dayton with a big ovation...it was apparantly arranged that immediate family could meet them as they debarked the plane rather than waiting to get past the security thing....There were tears everywhere and lots of kudos for these fine folks... The poor families...they just wanted to hug their "babies" but strangers kept coming up to shake their hands...I'm so glad to have experienced this today....it makes me proud to be an American...

P.S. Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday weekend.

[MEG33]

I have dreamed of para sailing.Last time I was where I could try it,the concessions were closed because of high winds.I'm glad you got to do it!

[dansangel]

What a beautiful post, ((((((((dutchess)))))))).

So glad you were able to witness firsthand some genuine appreciation for our troops. We are so fortunate and so blessed to have them protecting us on a daily basis. I'm glad people were willing to show their gratitude.

So glad you are back safe and sound. I'll be down in sunny FL in exactly three weeks - I can't wait!

[Aquamarine]

Welcome home Dutchess! Sounds like you had a great trip and alot of fun! May have to make a trip to Florida soon. :)

[deadhead]

Welcome Home, dutchess. Thanks for sharing your heartwarming story. Tears in my eyes thinking about the big ovation the soldiers got when they arrived in Dayton. A wonderful story. Bless all of them.