Great day at BWI, Airport - Our Son Returned Home from Iraq

[MiniMe]

Went to BWI Airport to see our son return home from spending 6 months over in Balad, Iraq. The USO did a wonderful job and they are there for every flight that comes in. It was a long haul, 26 hours for him as well as our crazy 4 hour wait at the airport.

He left Balad, Iraq on 3/17 and didn't get here until 3/20. His flight was originally supposed to land at 7:35 p.m. on 3/19/09 - then changed to 9:30 p.m. due to delays in Germany. We get to the airport and we are told plane won't probably land until 10:15 p.m. which in fact actually landed at 10:45 p.m. Then we were told it would take at least 45 minutes to go through customs and for them to get their bags off the plane. Okay, we figure 11:30 we'll be seeing him........

I get a call from my son on my cell phone to tell me, they can't get off the plane because the engines won't cut off and they can't open the lugage compartment to get all bags out until it does....LOL. I got at text message from him at 11:48, he was still waiting on his bags......LOL. There were 276 military members on this flight and our son was one of the last 6 to come through those doors. It was well worth the long long wait because at 12:30 when we saw our son walk around that corner the joy, love and relief we felt, just can't be described. It was a long and frustrating trip for him and wait for us, but it was so exciting to see our son:

[MiniMe]

More....

[mrs.oroblanco]

I am so happy for you, your family - and your son.

As a military mom, I can say - I know how you feel.

Congratulations for you, and for your son: Thank you for serving.

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[bbqbull]

Thank God your home safe and thank you for serving our country!

[warsawdaddy]

Great pics,great story,great family.God Bless all.

[MiniMe]

Thanks, we are very very proud of him.

[wreckdiver1715]

Congratulations on the return of your son!

[River Rat]

Welcoming home the troops, what a thrill to see em all...more so when that special soldier is your loved one. Great pics, Mini!

RR

[brokenarrow]

please extend my appreciation for his service and commitment to our country.
welcome home

[birdman]

The USO is fantastic! Happy day for all of you.

[GL]

Outstanding. Tell him Salute! From NC.

[rayc50]

Glad to see he made it home safe!! Tell him " thanks for his service"!! My son just got home from Afghanistan and it was a BIG relief!! Good Luck and God Bless!! Rayc50

[$CUERVOJ]

Super! Glad to see he is home. I believe I saw your son get on his plane here in Qatar. I work in the passenger terminal. Small world.

Air Power!

[Bridge End Farm]

Praise God

that is one of the most beautiful decorated walls in the world

truly awesome

Glad he and his buds made it back