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My son-in-law is finally home from Iraq after 14 mos of deployment. The soldiers arrived back at thier unit in Kalamazoo, MI after bus rides from the airport. There was a big hoop-la with the governor from Mich. shaking hands with the crowd, giving speeches, etc. Fortunately ceremonies were short and we were able to leave to come back home.
He was still in DCU's (desert combat uniform) and we had to make a stop at a computer store on the way home. People were coming up to him and thanking him. When we were back in the parking lot trying to get babies in car seats, a car went by, backed up, parked and a man and his young son (maybe 10-12) came over, shook Nathan's hand and thanked him. He then told his son to shake Nathan's hand and thank him. That reminded me of how my dad showed me how to respect the military ...teach by example.
All this time we thought Nathan was safe but he was smart enough not to let anyone of us know when he was getting shot at. One day I had asked my daughter if Nathan would go out on the streets of Bagdad. She told me that if she found out that he did, she would shoot him herself.
They are a happy family again and he is getting to know his kids. He came back just at the right time because his youngest is 8.5 months old, almost walking and I have nic named him ATV... all terrain vehicle. Nothing stops him from crawling, climbing, reaching.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and support and lets not forget those that are still over there helping to keep the USA and other countries free from dictatorships, brutality, and the general evil bullies of this world.
[ May 09, 2004, 11:15 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Okay, you did it...you made me cry. Welcome home Nathan.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3722 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
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I'm so happy for you! Ditto, on a great Mother's Day gift. Bless your family, and we will continue to pray for others that have to endure hardship and suffering. Thanks for your courage, Nathan.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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Thats great news Laura. I hope he enjoy's all the newspapers from around the country that you collected. I was concerned when you mentioned a death in the family on another thread. My condolences go out to your family on that regard, but also I am grateful to learn that your son came home from the war. Thanks Nathan!
-------------------- James Donahue Donahue Sign Arts 1851 E. Union Valley Rd. Seymour TN. (865) 577-3365 brushman@nxs.net
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch, Benjamin Franklin Posts: 2057 | From: 1033 W. Union Valley Rd. | Registered: Feb 2003
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That's great! I can see you are very proud of him. You have right to be...
-------------------- aka:Cisco the "Traveling Millennium Sign Artist" http://www.franciscovargas.com Fresno, CA 93703 559 252-0935 "to live life, is to love life, a sign of no life, is a sign of no love"...Cisco 12'98 Posts: 3576 | From: Fresno, Ca, the great USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Doug, I'm glad that you mentioned the papers as I had totally forgot about them. I can't wait to show him.
AS some of you know my husband is a pilot. Aerial chart are to a pilot as road maps are to a driver. When we had some time iwth Nathan, he told my husband that he had something for him in his packs. When he got a chance he unpacked new aerial charts of Iraq and a big one of Bagdad. That was so cool.
[ May 09, 2004, 11:13 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Laura I am SO VERY HAPPY he is back safely. Ever since I sent you the newspaper page he and your family were people I thought about in this war, since I don't know anyone myself who is there. I am so very grateful he made it back - I pray for all the troops - and for them coming home now.
-------------------- Myra A. Grozinger Signs Limited Winston-Salem, NC
signslimited@triad.rr.com Posts: 1244 | From: Winston-Salem, NC USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Laura..I am happy for you that your son in law has returned safely!!!
I hope you have a GREAT welcome home celebration for him.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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My Wife and I are so very glad for you & your family. We would also like to say thank you. Thank you to your Son-in-Law for his service & thank you for your families sacrifice.
Wayne
-------------------- Berry Signs & Stripes Hattiesburg, MS Signs, lines, lettering & other neat stuff. Posts: 82 | From: Hattiesburg, MS | Registered: Jan 2000
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Excellent news! Please thank him for his service to our country, helping to deliver the gift of freedom and human rights to other oppressed countries, and for being a courageous warrior against worldwide terrorism. He, like all military personel, is a hero to me and his efforts are much appreciated. Welcome home.
-------------------- Todd Gill Outside The Lines Potterville, MI Posts: 7792 | From: Potterville, MI | Registered: Dec 2001
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I apppreciate those that realize the family also has to make a sacrifice. My daughter had to make even more of a sacifice than the average family. Her dream and goal her whole life was to make the 2004 Olympics in 3 Day eventing. She has trained with Olympic riders but had to give up her training when her husband wasn't around to watch the kids while she went and trained.
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That's good news, Laura! Congratulations to your son-in-law and the rest of the family. Sometimes we forget about the sacrifices families have to make in our behalf. We are grateful for their efforts, though, and wish him luck assimilating back in to life here at home.
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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I'm glad he's home too Laura....in one piece and ALIVE....your story has a happy ending! Love...Jill
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Laura, I am glad your son-in-law is home. Your daughter has her husband and the kids have their daddy home, safe and sound - what a mother's day!
Nathan, Thank you for your service. It thrills me to know another soldier is safe on American soil. May God bless you for your willingness to serve.
My cousin is still serving in Iraq, so please pray for those who remain in Iraq and all over the world.
[ May 11, 2004, 06:12 PM: Message edited by: Dan Hanson ]
-------------------- Make it a great day!
Dan Hanson Hartco, Inc. Cincinnati, OH USA 800.543.1340 x 120 513.314.5807 cell 513.771.3327 fax pdh@hartcoservice.com www.hartcoservice.com Posts: 54 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Jul 2003
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I'm very happy for you and your family.
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