I am happy to say that as I am writing this I am not in Iraq, I am not in Kuwait, I am not holding my rifle, I am not wearing cammies, I'm actually not even sweating. I am sitting at a kitchen counter in Palm Springs, CA. I just got done swimming, grilling and eating, and I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE SECOND of it.
The flight home was long, but the reward at the end was perfect. Stepping off the bus, I couldn't find my family in the crowd at first. After pathetically wandering around looking like a lost puppy for about a minute my mom finally found me.
Here is the video my dad took of that moment:
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39 comments:
OoohRahhhhh!
Welcome back.
HOW SWEET!
Welcome home Jake from Port Byron IL.
Stacey and Vern
Awesome! Welcome home, and many thanks for your service!
Welcome Home Jake! Jo and I will see you in a few weeks! We are all proud of you!
Paul
Welcome home, Marine.
Yippy Yippy!!!
So awesome to read this today.
Cheers,
Debby & Zoe
It was beautiful to watch your mother being blessed by your safe return. Take it EZ.
WELCOME HOME JAKE!
and thank you so much!!
Scott Malensek
Akron, Ohio
Welcome home Jake!
You are awesome!
I started reading your blog after the Daily News article. I don't know you or your family and still that video brought tears to my eyes. Thank God you're home safe now with your family. You're a good writer. Your blog is so well written. God bless you and best of luck to you in the future!
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A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention updated throughout the day…so check back often. This is a weekend edition so updates are as time and family permits.
WELCOME HOME JAKE!!
From The Woodlands, Texas we are proud of you and so thankful for you and yours. Our prayers continue to be with you and all those who serve.
thanks again
jim & beth
Thank you and welcome home. So glad that you are safe. The video says it all, my heart skipped a beat when I heard your mother scream. The joy of a son returned!
Go Badgers.
It's so good to see that you made it home safe. See you in a month.
Jake,
your mom has some great pass rush moves! Welcome home Marine
So glad you made it home safe! The video was great and it's wonderful that your family was there to meet you.
Enjoy every minute you have at home with your friends and family.
Welcome Home...thank you for your service...God bless you and your family.
Enjoy yourself!
Melissa
North Carolina
Welcome home Jake; I first heard about you from a story done in the Wisconsin State Journal a few months ago. I have checked your blogs periodically ever since. So glad you are home. Your pictures reminded me of when my husband returned home from Vietnam 38 years ago. It was one of the happiest days of our lives. Congratulations on a job well done.
Karen
Welcome home, Sir! Thank you for serving, and thank God you got home safe!
I was directed here by the Debutaunt. Watching that video brought tears to my eyes.
From the daughter of an ex-Marine, welcome home and God bless you.
Oh my, that was a teary video to watch even though I don't know you or your family, but I've enjoyed your blog and I'm super glad you made it back home safe! Thanks for your service!!
You're awesome! Welcome home!
Welcome Home Jake! I've loved reading your blog! Thanks for your service.
Came here via "the Debutante"
Bless you for serving, bless you for everything you did for all of us.
I am so happy for you and your family.
We love our troops!
Claire
What a tear jerker and chill giver!! Your journey has been been wonderful to follow via great writing, thanks for all you do and welcome home!
Welcome home Jake!! You made it just in time for the Badgers' opener this weekend.
From one Badger, to another ....
GO BADGERS & ON WISCONSIN!!!!!
I wish I had a McShirt. I thought Aunt Chris was going to take someone down. I can't wait to give you a hug. The alliance continues...
Welcome Home Jake! We are all so proud of you. The video was beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes! I am so happy you are home safe! We love you.
Betsy
Thank you for sharing your video. I don't know you, but I cried like a baby. Can't wait for my bro-in-law's return. Take it easy and welcome home!!!
Sarah
Oregon
All day Saturday I kept wondering whether you were on American soil.I watched the video of you and your mom several times, it was a very touching reunion.
Thank God you are home! Thanks Jake for serving. You have touched so many lives!
Our prayers continue for you.
God bless
Nancy M
Aww welcome home. That vid almost brought tears to my eyes!
WELCOME HOME! AND THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE.
Glad to see you made it home safe and sound. We are truly grateful for you and your family's sacrifice.
Now sleep soundly.
Semper Fi
Jake,welcome home! The video is beautiful,it brings tears to my eyes. Your Arizona family is so proud of you and happy you are safe and home! Enjoy your time off,Love to all!
nothing better than a hug from Mom... welcome home. now stay safe here.
Welcome Back! Just in time for football season.
I stood on that parade ground a year ago to welcome my son home from Anbar.
I know exactly how your family feels right now.
God bless Marine, and thank you.
Jake,
My family and I do not know you personally but we would like to thank you for your service and would love to welcome you home! I have a few friends in Iraq as I write this and I pray that they and every one of our soldiers comes home safe and sound!
God bless you!!
Thankful in Arizona
What a great moment to capture on video! Thanks for sharing that, as well as aspects of your life. Above all else, thank you for your service to our country. We all appreciate what you and your fellow soldiers are doing on behalf of all of us, and our future generations.
Welcome home!
Welcome home!
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