Breakfast In America

This morning, I had breakfast in the USA, or something that looked like breakfast (they don't have grits up here). What a blessing it is to be back in the greatest country in the world.

I haven't had the heart to write in the blog in a long time. Our last few weeks in Iraq seemed to suck all the life out of us. That country has a way of draining you. But coming home, and coming through Bangor, Maine, has given me at least one more subject for this tired ole friend, Dancing Goat.

Our flight home originated in Kuwait with stops in Budapest, Shannon, Bangor and finally Voight Field. When we got off the plane at Bangor, we walked down a jetway filled with cheering, flag waving veterans and their families who had come out just to welcome us back to the US. What a moving experience. I think we all cried some, and I made sure to shake every hand. Then, they handed us cell phones to call our families anywhere in the world. We sat with them and fellowshipped with guys from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and other wars. I'm choking back the tears right now. Please....excuse me for a moment.

I'm back....thanks. This is what makes America THE GREATEST COUNTRY in the world. All our freedoms, all our conveniences were paid by people just like these, and yet, they still make time to ensure we are welcomed, that we are remembered, that we are made to feel special. But for some reason, as I spoke to a guy who survived the winter of 44 in Belgium, I felt a little unworthy. No, a LOT unworthy. To me, this "regular guy" is more important than the whole of humanity in Washington or any government body around the world. He's who I'm thinking about when I put on my uniform and ask God to make me worthy of those who've gone before. And, with a little help from God, I'll do my very best to honor him and guys like AJ Miller, Bob Lafoon, Lee Piper and dozens of other combat veterans who have influenced me through the years.

If you care to see some photos from our arrival, you can go to: www.mainetroopgreeters.com.

Yeah, I think it's time to close this little blog down and move on to something a little more interesting. But, there's still un-finished business back at Besmaya and in Iraq in general. So, if you will, please do not forget to pray for those I left behind. Specifically, for:

* The coalition team that replaced us - Colonel Dale Maxfield, Major George Dixon, Captain Hudson, and team
* The Iraqi Combat Arms School (and their families) - especially Staff Colonel Husam, Colonel Muhammed, and my brother, Colonel Hassan
* My interpreters - Mazin, Mick, Charlie, Russel, Hayder, Mohamed, Ali, Moneer, Omar, and of course, my little brother Antonio and his fiance' Jwan (they get married later this summer).

Thanks for all your prayers and support - too many to mention by name. And, thanks for reading.

awe