Pensamientos

While reading posts from soldiers and military families and chatting with my son in Iraq, I sense a change in attitudes. The 4th infantry, as everyone knows, is beginning to return to the USA from their grueling war duty in Iraq. General Ordierno wants the entire division home by Easter. Between now and then, the exchange of troops in this theatre will be a grand Easter parade. It's the most massive troop exchange in military history. As the long months turn into short weeks, the soldiers and their families experience increasing anxiety and worry. They know that Iraq is a dangerous place and want to leave the experience behind them. From their e-mails and chats, I hear a different voice than the one that I heard months earlier. A voice that is serious and more restrained. A voice that is hopeful and prayerful. A voice that sees light at the end of the tunnel, but dares not express too much optimism. Soon the parade will pass and family normalcy will resume.