We took him back to Fort Polk on Sunday night.
We looked for a good place to eat on Thursday and were told by everyone to go to Cajun's Landing in Alexandria. Our son got a ride over to us in a humvee, and we drove in a POV over to Cajun's Landing.
We walked into C.L. 8 PM, our son still in his desert BDUs and holding his two-month old baby daughter. The place was packed, we were starving, and the owner said it would be at least another 45 minutes, so we left.
Saturday was Valentine's Day.
My son had his heart set on some good Cajun cookin, so my wife calls over to C.L. early Saturday and requests a reservation for that night. The owner said, sorry, full up - NO RESERVATIONS. Being the persistent type she is (and having spent 20 years as a military spouse), she informed the owner that Saturday night would be the last meal our son and his wife would eat together for a year.
The owner said, we'll squeeze him in. Tell them to be here at 5 sharp.
Son and wife arrive and are seated by the fireplace (it's raining cold outside). Son "goes wild" on the menu - no holds barred - he orders the works.
He said it was the best food he's ever eaten - Etofee, seafood bisque, Jumbolaya - Hot Dam!
Son and wife ask for the check. Waitress: No charge, soldier - courteousy of the owner of Cajun Landing - Mr. McDonald.
Son just called me about an hour ago while the President was speaking from Fort Polk. Dad - you got the tube on? The President is here right now, speaking to us IN PERSON!
He was proud to be an American.
So am I.