Yesterday, I participated in a send-off mission for the first time. I had always given first priority to funeral missions and had little time for others, but the 16^th PSYOPS Battalion was leaving from Fort Sheridan which is just a few miles from our home. In fact, Robin was doing her reservist drill there at the same time, so I couldn’t stay away. It was a wonderful experience.

When I returned, an email from Annette Meyer was waiting for me. I found that she had written about her wonderful experience with the send-off of the 432^nd CIVAFF Battalion two days earlier. Coincidence, I suppose. Some would call it God’s will that I add it here. She wrote:

Of all the Patriot Guard Rider missions that I have had the special privilege to attend, this mission I could relate to the most. 17 of us stood in a flag line outside to welcome the soldiers into the building. We watch the soldiers coming off the bus, through the flag line, quickly dropping their personal gear on the ground and moving swiftly into the building to find their family. As I watch this, my Blue Star mothers heart quickly was re-living the 2nd send-off for our son Luke, the emotions came flooding back.

We went inside and formed a double flag line. We witness at this time, the families holding on to each other, taking family group pictures, everyone trying to be brave for each other. Everyone was sharing that pride for being a military family, and at the same time, the fear and heartaches, tears flowing here and there as the realization --the time has truly come for another deployment. I witness a little boy and girl running through the legs of the adults while holding their little flags....innocence of a child, not realizing that their daddy was leaving soon. Now, my grandma's heart kicked in towards these children with moans and groans on their account. I prayed in the flag line for these special families, especially for the children.

John Maino was the MC, he is so supportive to our troops and their families. Our Ride Captain Mark (Sparky)--- I personally call him my younger brother, he did a wonderful job in conducting this mission. Sparky has his special touches to a mission that makes them so honorable to be part of! Great job, younger bro!

Mike Weaver present the 432nd with a PGR flag and assured them when these soldier look at this flag that it is to remind them ---that not only their families and friends are supporting them but also over 100,000 Patriots Nation wide are also supporting them. And assured them that us-PGR's will be here with a Welcome Home when they return. Again, I prayed in the flag line, that this flag will be a source of comfort that these special soldiers and their families will remember that "The Lord" and we are right by their side going through this difficult war trial together.

Just before the ceremony was ended, us PGR's left to go outside--we stood in a tunnel flag line in front of the airplane. The soldiers walk through the flag line as they board the plane. It was a very "somber" moment. You only could hear the wind flapping the flags and the heavy footsteps of the soldiers boarding. And Praise the Lord for Mike, for God used Mike to give these soldiers much needed encouragement. His military training from Vietnam kicked in----he started to shout to the soldiers with such a positive voice and cheering them on----"We will be waiting for your return and God bless you soldier!" (Sorrow started to turn into joy.) The soldiers now had a spring in their step and ready to face their war challenge. One soldier yelled back at Mike----"and I will be returning!".......after 120 soldiers boarded, I believed we all who stood in that flagline with frozen tears on our checks.

We moved our flag line to the side where the families and camera men were. We watched as the airplane started its engines. A Vietnam Veteran next to me-whispered and said---"You know what those soldiers are doing while they are on that plane?".......I said "no."....he said --"they are crying."..... This Veteran knew because he was once on an airplane going to war himself. The plane started to turn towards us, all the Veteran PGR's saluted and some of us had our hand over our heart while we held tightly to "old Glory" in the other hand. The soldiers last sight of Green Bay was flags and Patriots saluting and hands over heart and seeing their family members wave their own little flags. The last sight that us Patriots witness was the family members were hugging and crying, some on tippee toe waving their flag taller and taller as the plane went further and further away.........what really hit me hard, was seeing this little boy with all joy and being sooo proud waving his little flag for his daddy and all of sudden realizing-his daddy is really leaving, he turn towards his mom, and started to cry. I prayed again in the flag line for the Lord to comfort his little heart.

As we came inside, I hugged several mothers and told them that I am praying for them and I told them that I knew exactly how they are feeling, I have a soldier son who has done 2 tours in Iraq.............then they really started to cry........we just held each other--the instant sisterhood that Blue Star mothers have.......I offered my service to the Family Readiness Group Leader---if these mothers need to talk or cry with someone, please let them know.........it helps to know that someone cares and understands the ups and downs of a mother's heart through the difficult trial of war. The "unknowing" is daily. When you receive a phone call or e-mail from your soldier, it is a good day! 

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