Articles 7.23.2005

The Fwd Detachment site now has flight manifests posted for Soldiers in the 1-506th.
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Blog author's note: I was able to attend the welcoming ceremony for the 2nd flight of Soldiers arriving at Ft. Carson. Several hundred people were in attendance, including many 2nd ID Soldiers who had previously arrived at Ft. Carson. Also in attendance were several wounded Soldiers who were receiving treatment at either the Brook Army Hospital or Walter Reed Hospital. Volunteer groups such as impactahero.net provided free flights and accomodations for the wounded Soldiers so that they could greet their returning comrades. In the Special Events center, the several hundred Soldiers marched in to thunderous applause. A general spoke for less than 5 minutes to express his appreciation, welcome the Soldiers to Ft. Carson, and pay tribute to the fallen Soldiers. Then a declaration of "Dismissed!" was yelled, and the families and friends rushed to meet their Soldiers. Personally, I witnessed two separate fathers who met a child for the first time (neither related to me in anyway). I saw returning Soldiers rushing over to greet wounded Soldiers. I saw Soldiers being interviewed for the local news who couldn't have cared less about the camera but just wanted to stare at and touch and hug their wives and children. And, of course, the smiles and tears were everywhere.