Army Reserve Deployment

John and Cheryl at the Welcome Home Ceremony at Freedom Hall, Ft. Benning, Georgia on Palm Sunday.

Final Deployment posting from Cheryl

I'm very close to being "home" now. John and I are presently at Ft. Benning, Georgia as I complete the final out-processing. Many other soldiers here are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I feel proud to be in their company. The blooming trees are astounding and it's wonderful eating in restaurants, being waited on, and not rushing through the meals! I had decaf coffee this morning for the first time in a year. Please stay in touch. John says hello to all and thanks those of you who supported him as well. It's great to be home with my best friend.

Finally, I appreciate the dedicated efforts of Diane Paone (www.dianepaone.com) in New Jersey, who made it possible to share this complex journey with you over several time zones, and crazy schedules over the last year. We are putting the final touches on these two issues. Her professionalism, patience, and support have made a huge difference in my quality of life in a far away place. Thank you Diane for bringing my experience in Iraq into "focus" for my friends and family. They have immensely enjoyed your work too.

Happy Easter everyone!

Cheryl

04-24-09 (Short story) 04-26-09 Issue 1 - Arrival in Iraq on Easter Sunday 05-07-09 Issue 2 - Mother’s Day 05-17-09 Issue 3 - John's Birthday 05-31-09 Issue 4 - Memorial Day (Photos around VBC) 06-14-09 Issue 5 - Father’s Day 07-05-09 Issue 6 - Fourth of July (Part I) 07-19-09 Issue 7 - Daily routine in Camp Prosperity (Part II) 07-31-09 Issue 8 - Job responsibilities 08-15-09 Issue 9 - Photos of daily life 08-20-09 Issue 10 - Dark Day in Baghdad 08-30-09 Issue 11 - More daily routine and Ramadan 09-11-09 Issue 12 - 9-11 thoughts and First Helicopter photos 10-01-09 Issue 13 - Assorted photos and thoughts 11-11-09 Issue 14 - Veterans Day 11-26-09 Issue 15 - Thanksgiving and R&R photos in Europe 12-19-09 Issue 16 - Holiday Spirit photos 12-31-09 Issue 17 - More Christmas Photos 01-09-10 Issue 18 - 2010 and Circle of Freedom 01-29-10 Issue 19 - Iraqi War College and more 02-14-10 Issue 20 - Comparison of both deployments 02-27-10 Issue 21 - IZ photos 03-05-10 Issue 22 - Birthday and 30th Army Anniversary! 03-19-10 Issue 23 - Post Iraqi Election Issue 03-25-10 Part I  Issue 24 - Kurdistan Issue 03-25-10 Part II Issue 25 - Final thoughts from Kuwait 04-21-10 Issue 26 - Homecoming highlights