After a long trip I’m home. Beginning on the 8th, we departed our company out post and headed south. Traveling from northern Iraq, to Baghdad, to Kuwait, then to Ireland, then to Maine in the US then to California and finally back across to the east coast.
It was a long trip but it doesn’t really matter when you are headed home though. My frequent flyer miles should be off the charts!! Its awesome to be home and the things that I see the most is green trees, the smell of green fresh cut grass,clouds (since we never saw any) and the several other things I immediately see we have as Americans that we so easily take for granted. That will be another post.
This weekend, look for the guy with no hair enjoying a nice non- boiled steak, cold beer and several cigars, that’s me.
The large effort by all of you supporting us while in Hades is nothing but exemplified now as we are home. I can’t thank you all enough. I will be “resting” and getting to know the entire family again. Will write soon!
Semper Fidelis and God Bless.
Can't say more than "Welcome Home!"
Hug them all and enjoy!
Posted by: Bridget | August 24, 2008 at 12:23 PM
In a slight touch of irony, let this citizen of an allied country (=non-American) be the first here to Welcome you HOME!
-akr
Posted by: -akr | August 24, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Welcome Home Major P. SOOOOO glad to hear you are back safely with those you love and who love you so. Enjoy the cold beer, the cigars, the smells, sights and sounds of "home". Most of all - we're not going anywhere so spend all the time you want with your family. We'll just look forward to stories down the road.
Posted by: Leta | August 24, 2008 at 12:32 PM
WELCOME HOME MAJ PAIN!!!!
Posted by: chtrbx | August 24, 2008 at 12:32 PM
AKR-
Its perfect and fitting.......thanks for stopping by!!
Bridg-
Broken necks for all as the hugs are free....Thanks!!
Posted by: Maj Pain | August 24, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Great to have y'all back home again. Just in time to enjoy a great long Labor Day weekend in the good ol' USA!
Posted by: anon | August 24, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Landing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sammy D | August 24, 2008 at 02:57 PM
WELCOME HOME !!!!!
ENJOY THAT COLD BEER, CIGAR, AND AS MUCH STEAK AS YOU CAN EAT.
Kiss the wife and kids as often as you can. Hold them tight and tell them often how much you love them for all the times that you wanted to while in the 'Suck'.
Go sit in the GRASS under an old OAK tree and watch the clouds drift across the sky as you have another cold beer and cigar and know that all will be well.
Posted by: Miss Em | August 24, 2008 at 03:00 PM
Hey Maj - me 'n the boys just wanna say Welcome Home 'n what not. If you get a hankerin' for some target practice, we're pulling duty out here in Denver where the Dumbocrats are running amok. C'mon out 'n play.
Posted by: Concerned Grunt | August 24, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Corks popping. Church Ladies, commence your drinking. What? Oh, sure, you too Maj.
Posted by: Ms B'havin | August 24, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Welcome Home! There are many of us who wish we could offer a hug or handshake. Just because we're not there doesn't mean we aren't just giddy beyond words. We are.
Take care and our best to everyone.
Posted by: Susan | August 24, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Ah, the sweet carbonated tingle of beer is certainly a good welcome home. Better than the whiskey hid in a mouthwash bottle that you get in Iraq.
Posted by: LT Nixon | August 24, 2008 at 04:27 PM
congrats Maj welcome home and enjoy the ice cold brew
Posted by: Jarhead | August 24, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Best news of all! Welcome Home, Major. Big hugs from "way down South in Dixie". Thank you & Enjoy!
Posted by: MissBirdlegs in AL | August 24, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Happy Days Are Here Again! Welcome Home, Maj Pain!!!!!! Congrats on a job Well Done.
Posted by: GunnNutt | August 24, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Welcome home!
Posted by: RangersGirl | August 24, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Your fan club salutes you, Major P. WELCOME HOME!! May you find great joy and peace in being back on U.S. soil with your family and loved ones. Just breathe and soak it all in!
Oh yeah(speaking of breathing),if you want some Cubans, just say the word and they will arrive on your doorstep ...
Posted by: liz lorber | August 24, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Welcome home, Major.
Posted by: MJ | August 24, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Glad your back Skipper.
Posted by: GUYK | August 24, 2008 at 08:41 PM
Welcome home to you and all your guys!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
Posted by: Kath | August 24, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Cold Brewskis for all- it is a day to celebrate when our Troops come home! A big thanks to your family for all they endure when you are deployed.
You have have earned, in spades, the time to sit with your pretty girls under a tree, the scent of fresh mowed grass, fried chicken, watermelon and kids laughing.
Welcome home!!!!
Posted by: Nakeeb | August 25, 2008 at 02:55 AM
Welcome home Major. God bless to you and your family. *tear running down cheek*
Posted by: Cheryl Friend | August 25, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Here's what I say - WELCOME HOME and have some BACON, RIBS AND PULLED PORK BBQ!!!
Posted by: Martha | August 25, 2008 at 09:20 AM
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 08/25/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2008/08/from-front-08252008.html
Posted by: David M | August 25, 2008 at 09:58 AM
WELCOME HOME!!!!
These are my favorite posts in my morning stroll for the Dawn Patrol.:)
HOOAH!
Posted by: Mrs G | August 25, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Welcome home.
Posted by: Grim | August 25, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Welcome home, Major!!!!
Cpl. Dark Prince should be home in about 6 weeks time.
Does this mean you'll be coming to the milbloggers conference?
Posted by: Semper Fi Wife | August 25, 2008 at 12:20 PM
WOOOOHOOOO!
Shake the dust off, relax and enjoy those you love and missed.
Thanks so much for everything you and the Marines do...
Popping a cork now!
Posted by: Ky Woman | August 25, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Wow, it's got to be the best darn feeling in the world to step off that plane and know you're on US soil again! Enjoy every minute and hold your family close as often as you can! We all send a big ol' OORAHHHH! your way and a Thanks for a job well done, Major P! If you want a getaway, I know a nice little place in the NC mountains where they'd treat you right! (sister- and brother-in-law) Or you could just keep going south to our place here in Florida!
Posted by: Karen | August 25, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Welcome home from Howard and Connor!!!
Posted by: Howard Love | August 25, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Welcome home! My nephew just got home, too. I wonder if you're in the same unit??? He had great things to say about the COs. He especially liked on Major who he said "took the time to know our names and talk to us." Semper fidelis!
Posted by: Jennifer | August 25, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Welcome home! Relax and enjoy your time with the family. You earned it a million times over. Thank you for a job WELL DONE!
Posted by: Kelli | August 25, 2008 at 04:06 PM
So glad to here you are home safe and sound. WELCOME HOME, Major!
Posted by: Miss Ladybug | August 25, 2008 at 04:17 PM
SEMPER FI. Good Job welcome home.
I know that this sounds a little trite,but it expresses my feelings.I posted a video on my site that says it all. I hope you come for a visit.
Posted by: Mike Golch | August 25, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Welcome back to the "Real" world Major Pain! lol
I am glad you are back as well. I agree with most every message here. Take time to smell the roses, drink a beer or two, smell the grass right after you cut it of course and take precious time with the family. I got to spend my first deployment party time with a friend who is on his way to A'stan in three months. He will do training 1st in NC. It was hard to see those 90 soldiers leave but I was very proud to call them all "my" heroes. Take care and keep us posted! Oooorahhhhhhhh! :)
Posted by: Jayna Kay Hart | August 25, 2008 at 07:52 PM
YAY!
I heard via email you were home. I am just THRILLED!
Enjoy your leave- you and those who served with you deserve it.
Posted by: AFSister | August 25, 2008 at 10:09 PM
SSSHHHH, CAN YOU HEAR THAT? IT IS ME YELLING OOOOHHHHHRRRRAAAAAHHHH AND BIG BRO JIM IS ECHOING IT FROM HEAVEN TO. WELCOME HOME MAJOR , SEMPER FI
Posted by: Gunny Taylor B | August 25, 2008 at 11:02 PM
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED MAJ Pain!
CHILL-AXING ALL THE WAY AND THEN SOME FOR YOU!
WELCOME HOME !
Posted by: CT "Ace" Troop Supporter | August 26, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Welcome home Maj., you deserve this time with the family, enjoy.
Posted by: Lynn | August 26, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Hi Maj Pain
You have a good blog.
Please visit my blog:
http://www.soldierfun.blogspot.com
Be happy.
Posted by: soldier fun | August 26, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Welcome home, Major!
gh
Posted by: Greyhawk | August 26, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Prayers answered - you're safely home! Welcome back. Enjoy the time with your family.
Posted by: Susie M. | August 27, 2008 at 12:26 AM
welcome home, sir! see you in vegas?? THAT w/b a hoot!
Posted by: Some Soldier's Mom | August 27, 2008 at 02:32 AM
Gun is hung up again, camies are getting cleaned, gear is stored.
The Simple clean non-polluted air without dust, green grass, nice whiskey, bold cigars, greasy pizza, hot steak, Mrs with nice perfume and little hands in mine as we walk and hug………yea, its home.
Don’t EVER take what you have for granted, ever! We are Americans!
Great comments, you guys are what makes America what it is, thanks for all of your support! Will check email later……
TIME FOR YES, ANOTHER CIGAR.
Posted by: MAJ PAIN | August 27, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Welcome home Major! Little hands - big hearts full of love for you! Knew that greasy pizza would be a hit. Enjoy the long weekend.
Posted by: Sue | August 27, 2008 at 04:33 PM
welcome home, buddy!!!
Posted by: Marine@Heart | August 28, 2008 at 07:05 PM
L.T., Capt B, Maj. Pain,...uh... future Lt. Col.? -- whatever -- WELCOME HOME!!!!! Glad to hear you and everyone made it back safely. The Carral family couldn't be more thrilled that you are finally enjoying the simple things in life close to your loved ones, things that many take for granted.
As always, our love, admiration and gratitude to you and your family for all you've endured and sacrificed. Well done... well done indeed!! Now, take some time off (with your family), relax (you've earned it), we'll all be here waiting for your next post when you're done catching up.
Semper Fi
Posted by: Gigi | August 28, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Rest well Maj. You've earned it.
Posted by: Phil imbesi | August 29, 2008 at 02:40 PM
welcome back, Major. HOOAH!
Posted by: MitchCat | August 29, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Greetings from California!! Welcome home. Sitting here crying, knowing you're back safe. God bless you all. Love to you and your family.
Posted by: donna, Los Osos, CA | August 29, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Welcome Home, Major! Enjoy the long weekend with your family and take time to savor all the joys of home. God Bless you and your family.
Posted by: Maureen | August 29, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Welcome Home Major! Thanks for another job well done. Enjoy all the love and warmth of your family and friends here at home. Bless you Sir!
Posted by: Barbara from Ca | August 30, 2008 at 01:58 AM
Welcome home major. Thanks to you and your family for everything. We here are forever appreciative for your sacrifices. Hope you are enjoying being back in the States. If you are ever in Northern New Jersey Beers, Steaks and cigars are on me. God Bless.
Posted by: Always America First | August 30, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Thank You for serving and keeping us updated on your deployment. Also please tell your family thank you for me too. They serve when you serve, just in a different fashion.
WELCOME HOME!!! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE HOME WITH YOUR FAMILY
Posted by: Humbled Infidel | August 30, 2008 at 10:14 PM
It is great to hear your home sir.God Bless you,your men and your families.I have also had the oppertunity to meet two more fine young marines returning home here in our home town.We have also just sent another family member off.He has completed his Marine corp basic training and is off to his next educational step in the corp..God Bless Major and Thank You All Semper Fi
Posted by: referman | September 01, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Great to know you're home with your family! Thanks for your hard work (and all the scratching!) ENJOY being home!
Posted by: linda s. | September 02, 2008 at 02:07 AM
Thank you, and welcome home!
Posted by: Uber | September 03, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Hi
You have a good website.
Please visit my fun blog on:
http://www.soldierfun.blogspot.com
Be happy.
Posted by: soldier fun | September 04, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Been off the net for awhile...
Belated Welcome Home!
A big thanks to the man upstairs all is well.
Posted by: Pincher | September 06, 2008 at 12:00 AM
RE: Miss GiGi on LTC for MAJ P.
Correction ,
**** Future 4 Star General****
MAJ P Enjoy that Cigar on Good Old American Soil this weekend.
Posted by: CT "Ace" Troop Supporter | September 06, 2008 at 08:24 PM
we are all so glad you made it home safely. it seems almost like part of our own family is now back with us.
Posted by: blynn | September 08, 2008 at 05:36 PM
You guys are awesome. Thanks for all of the comments. Hell of a way to start my day, cigar, coffee, ready all the welcome home hat tips! Semper Fi to all!
Posted by: Maj Pain | September 09, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Thanks for the sharing of those article! That will be helpful.
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