Final TDY (Chapter 1)

Earth Date: 03.28.2010.

This morning marks the conclusion of the first leg of my final significant TDY for this long career.

The first stop was Camp Atterbury, IN. Located off of Interstate 65 south of Indianapolis, this is the site of one of the military’s projection platforms – more commonly referred to by Soldiers as a mobilization station. Not exactly one of our favorite support bases, but they have been good to Nevada units.

First on the agenda was to welcome home the 1/221^st Cavalry Squadron home from a year in Afghanistan. It was good to see them back and intact. It had been a long year in some of the most difficult of circumstances. A tear defining moment was the arrival of the wounded so they could cross the finish line with their band of brothers. Warriors all, they came together for the spurs ceremony – the last formation before four elements of the squadron returned to their homes in Guam, Arizona, Arkansas, and Georgia.

A trying moment was the lack of interest from the leadership of the Arkansas and Georgia elements to welcome their Soldiers home from a year in Afghanistan. These troops stepped forward to give their all, but obviously urgent matters were pressing elsewhere. Fortunately, these warriors know they will always have an adopted home in Nevada.

In a surprise early arrival the 1864^th Transportation Company landed from theater a couple of days early! They were in fine spirits, but a bit sleepy from the 18-hour flight. A lot of smiles and hugs – they are glad to be back home.

Prior to the arrival of the 1864^th the isolated terminal was used by the Indiana Pacers’ NBA basketball team to board their charter to a game in Atlanta against the Hawks.

It was nice some of them took the time to come over and talk with us. But, for the most part we weren’t too impressed. I mean it’s not like they were from the UConn Girl’s Basketball team – after all, this is March Madness.

This leg also marked the last major event with the command team. The moment was celebrated – as only a military can do – with the hoist of Silver Petron to the last couple of years together. Okay, so there were three hoists, but we were no worse the wear the next morning.

A sentimental moment? Oh hell no. I’m worried about pacing myself to survive this globetrotting experience. I figure with the many time zones incorporated into this trip I should be able to dodge the jet lag bullet – stay tuned for more.