This past week, the Marines & Sailors of the 26th MEU safely arrived on the soil of Jacksonville, NC. Since being on recruiting duty for the past 2 ½ years, I forgot of those emotions of a homecoming. Spouses encounter a unique array of feelings from pre-deployment until the moment they are standing on that flight line (well, flight line for us air wing gals, not sure how the ground guys do it).

Regardless of whether it is the first deployment or fourth, I always went through the same cycle of emotions: loneliness, anger, excitement, sadness & fear.  But, there are no better words than, “I’m coming home!” The long awaited words trigger things like banner-making parties, dress shopping, and stocking the fridge with something more than cereal & hamburger helper.

For today, Friday the 13th, which most consider to be un-lucky, the streets of Jacksonville are decorated with colorful banners of joy and the feeling of accomplishment that the heroes of the 26th MEU are exactly where they belong. Welcome home!

Share your thoughts and questions on preparing for homecoming...