My brother is finally home

[Fleshdancer]

He just returned from his fourth and final deployment before he retires from the military. :bounce:

I talked to mom yesterday and she feels like a happy, deflated balloon. You don't realize the sheer amount of tension and stress you have when a loved one is deployed until they come home.

[MonkeyFunk]

1. Congratulations!

It must feel great.

[Inchworm]

2. Yay!

Tell him "Thanks!" for me!

:hug::patriot:

[Ptah]

3. That's great news for all.

:thumbsup:

[Connonym]

4. Thank heavens

I know several military families and I know they try really hard to not let it get to them but I don't believe it's possible to not constantly have that nagging at the back of your mind. I'm happy for your family that your brother is returned and please be sure to tell him that no matter what the republicans say, liberals hate the war but honor our soldiers who fight it.

[Fleshdancer]

8. I've had some very interesting political conversations with him over the years

He has been in the military for a long time now and throughout all of his deployments over the years (Invasion of Panama, the first Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq), Iraq was the worst. He believes in the work he did in Afghanistan but he wants troops out of Iraq.

When he gave the sad, tired line of "but Democrats want to cut military funding", I asked him when his last pay raise was. Four fucking deployments in six years and his last pay raise was during the Clinton years. We're spending billions of dollars on the military and none of it is going to the soldiers who put their asses on the line. Meanwhile, Veteran benefits are getting cut. Needless to say, I think that conversation was an "ah-ha" moment for him.

I'm looking foward to our future conversations when he's finally out.

[lightningandsnow]

5. Congrats!

That's awesome that he's home now.

[VenusRising]

6. I'm so happy for you and your family.

I hope your brother is doing well.

[SKKY]

7. That's fantastic...

The amount of tension and stress is only equaled by the copious amounts of both we feel while we're deployed. But, I will admit it's probably easier for us because we have something to focus on and keep us busy. I think my wife suffers more when I'm gone than I do.

[Fleshdancer]

9. Military spouses are incredible

I am in awe of my sister in-law. She works full-time and is basically a single parent to their two kids when my brother is deployed. She has to swallow her fear and put on a happy face for their two boys and be supportive and strong if or when my brother is able to call or email. I don't think I have the strength to do what she has done all these years.

My dad did three tours in Vietnam and he told me his time there was so much easier than seeing his son go to war for the exact reason you mentioned.

Thank you, by the way, for your service. Thank your wife for me too. :)

[SKKY]

22. You're quite welcomed....

...And yes, Mrs. ALiberalSailor is quite a remarkable woman. Why she keeps me around I have no idea. :)

[applegrove]

10. I am so happy for your family.

[bicentennial_baby]

11. Yay!!! I'm soooo happy sweetie!

:hug:

:loveya:

[Hand]

12. Wonderful news! Welcome home, soldier!

And the very best wishes for a peaceful and happy life on civvy street! Thank you for your service--you're a far far better man than those who sent you there! :patriot:

[johnnie]

13. That's awesome news!

I really wish they all could come home. My friend's son is there for his second tour and it sucks every day not knowing what is happening. Just want him home.

[Fran Kubelik]

14. This is great news!!

Thanks for sharing it with us! :hug:

[NMDemDist2]

15. whew! great news and glad he came home safe :hug: n/t

[fizzgig]

16. that is fantastic news!

:bounce:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. My dear GloriaSmith!

Congrats, sweetie!

It is a huge load off!

I remember when my brother came home from his year in VietNam...

I felt as though I'd been holding my breath the whole time he'd been gone...

Enjoy having him back with you!

:hug:

[joeybee12]

18. Very good news!

:bounce: :toast:

[Haole Girl]

19. Great news!

:toast: :bounce: :D

[Cabcere]

20. That is so wonderful, GloriaSmith!

:bounce: :bounce: :patriot: :toast: :party: I'm really glad to hear that your brother is home safe now. :hug:

[Zoigal]

21. Great news..Give him my thanks. z

[leftynyc]

23. That's great news!!

So very glad he came home safe. Hope you all will sleep better now.

[LeftyFingerPop]

24. I'm so glad Gloria. Congratulations!! n/t

[Donk Yore]

25. My brother died

I understand

[Robb]

26. Thank goodness

:patriot: :toast:

[theredpen]

27. My brother is being promoted to batallion commander

Great for his career, but he may have to return to the ME; hopefully no closer than Kuwait.

I'm so glad your worrying is over. It does suck.

[skater314159]

28. Congrats to you and your fam!

Now you guys can spend your time and energy supporting your brother as he goes back to life here in the US. I am soooo glad he came home safe and sound to you!

:hippie:

[LostinVA]

29. Yay!!!!!