After delays for various reasons the #2 son made it back from the sandbox. Seemed like a long, long time since he left. Longer than the almost 12 months to the day.
They touched down at Eielson AFB North of Fairbanks at 11:15pm in a 747 nonstop from Germany. I have the touch down on video, runway runs close to the highway that runs through North Pole, Alaska. The son said as soon as they touched down a very loud roar came upon the plane.
They had to turn in weapons, check things and then a bus ride into Fort Wainwright, Fairbanks. About 24 miles away. Home of the 1/25 SBCT Arctic Wolves. They have Calvary, Aviation, Intel, Artillery, etc. This flight had mainly the 2/8 Field Artillery, Headquarters Battery plus some other. Next to the last of the 2/8 FA.
The reception was held at the AHA, Alert Holding Area, a fairly large building. I was about 35 degrees and light rain but warm and dry inside. Many wives, family, friends were waiting with balloons and signs. The doors opened up and the buses drove in.
One of the first things done was a soldier was grabbed and rushed off to the hospital. His wife was in labor, very close, where she gave birth 3 hours after his arrival. She was 3 weeks late, what a welcome home.
Another family had come up from Florida and told their soldier they would not be in Fairbanks for his arrival. Surprise.
The soldiers formed up, marched in front of the gathering of family and friends. After a very short talk they were turned loose. Pure havoc.
Saw the son, he was in the 3rd row close to the end. Finally got his attention and mom ran. Of course, he had to call his brother first thing.
Welcome home Capt. Lucas W. Sandidge, VHS class of '99, and the 1/25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Job well done!!!
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8 Comments
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He has brought honor to himself and his family. We thank you all for your sacrifice.
September 23, 2009 at 9:08 p.m.Your boy warms my heart as he has made room in his life for love of country. When I have heard over the years claims by leaders of Germany, Japan, U.S.S.R , Libya and the like how they were going to bring the United States down they would have saved much futile effort if they were to look in the strong faces of the young men like your son who stood in the way of their plans.
September 23, 2009 at 8:55 p.m.Thank you Capt.Sandidge,and your family, for the sacrifice of serving our country.
I salute each and every one of you.
September 23, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.Thank you! And God Bless all of you.
September 23, 2009 at 6:08 p.m.Welcome Home! Thank you for all you have done!
September 23, 2009 at 3:02 p.m.Welcome Home Soldiers. God bless you all.
September 23, 2009 at 2:08 p.m.welcome home Capt. god speed soldier.
September 23, 2009 at 1:04 p.m.Well here it is.
September 23, 2009 at 12:55 p.m.Funny, tried to make paragraphs and they don't show up.
Then made then with a space and the sentences run off the end.
Oh well, got er done.