rayc50
Jr. Member
Hi, All! This is rayc50 and I promised to update when my son finally got home from Afghanistan. His unit is the 766th Combat Engineers out of Decatur, Illinois. He and 14 others were volunteers for the newly formed 766th EHCC (explosive hazards coordination cell). Commonly called "IED Hunters". This was the first unit of its kind to go into Afghanistan. There are two others in Iraq. The unit left Afghanistan on Feb. 28th and arrived back in Decatur yesterday at noon. I'm a vet myself, but I was totally humbled as these guys pulled into the parking lot on a chartered bus from Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, and dismounted. They were escorted by numerous police agencies and the patriot guard. Yep, the 'old man' here was crying...couldn't help it. Was sure glad to see him home safe. We've lost 3 Illinois soldiers over there in the last two weeks....two of them were local. Sure opens an old man's eyes! Anyone who doesn't appreciate what these guys and all our military is doing to protect us, definitely has a problem, and probably shouldn't be enjoying all the freedoms and luxuries they have. To anyone who has friends or relatives over there, pass along my appreciation. They definitely have my respect! And I say this with tears in my eyes.... God Bless All!! And thanks guys and gals for your support! rayc50