Hardest Day of My Life

It's really hard to leave your loved ones for an extended period of time. I've never experienced this until today.

Luckily, I have a family that is very supported of me and my mission. I think their strength through this will in turn give me strength to do my best and complete my mission.

The folks in Wayne had a huge turn-out. It was quite a sight. I took some pictures, which may be a little shaky because I was on the bus. Prior to this deployment, I had never set foot in Wayne, NE. Didn't even know where it was located on the map. I can say though that the people of Wayne back the troops 110%. They showed this by numerous business signs that read "Good Luck" and "God Bless". I hope they know that everytime I read one of those signs it made me feel just a little bit at ease with the deployment. (And every little bit counts.)

Mom, Me, and Tara

Dad, Me, and Spence
...and here we go -

There were many supporters along the roadside from Wayne through West Point, Fremont, Lincoln, all the way to Beatrice. It was really surprising when one of the supports showed up at Ft. Riley holding up a sign that said "Good Luck 189th". It was very touching.

The local utility companies raised their booms and flew flags from them for a good block in Wayne. I thought that was very neat.