I received a message about 1140 and I saw it about 1215:
"I received a call from the 129th family programs coordinator. She has extended an invitation to the PGR to participate in the Welcome Home. The C-130's will arrive at Moffet at 1400 hrs local."
Hey, here I am! At our parking lot in front of Moffett..........
Earl Bagwell and I think he said he was assuming the Post Commander position of 4xx, duh, I forgot, but it's the one Don N has moved to as it's closer to his place, showed up. Just us two... waiting for the escort.....
Earl!
He's new to PGR and we chatted a bit... got to 1400, and C130s were circling and they did a nice job of saying a flying Hello!
Normally when we are invited to Moffett, someone escorts on base... after the C130's circled, and no one showed up... Earl said, lets try to go in... I was a bit hesitant as I didn't want to get shot! GBG
Pulled up to the gate and thought Earl was behind me... told the guard I was from PGR and was invited to the 129 welcome home plus the guy behind me.... now my windshield banner, vest and 3x5 flying must've convinced him, he asked for a drivers license and I moved forward a bit. Thanks to Earl for the prompt!
Of course someone else pulled in front of Earl, so he was confused and again, I was afraid of pending death... went back and signaled THE CAR BEHIND THIS ONE!
I knew where they would be and off we went around Moffett to the military side. Folks waiting for the troops to get off the planes.
As we arrived, Buzz, a PGR member walked up and shook our hands, he was there with the Blue Star Moms and he's a Blue Star dad, he was there with his wife and son and he brought 3 more scoots with him! Nice to see you and thanks for the welcome!
The Blue Star Moms knew about the event for a while and just recently passed it to PGR, they thought that because there was no ride, we would not be interested, I assured them, we've been there before for the same reason, and I thanked them for the invite.
C-130s in the background.
The bus going by. The troops coming home have 2 options, go into debrief and then see family or visit for 30 minutes then debrief. This group picked 30 minutes visit first.
Lots of folks, hugs and smiles! Good on Ya all!
This little guy wasn't sure about Dad...
Folks having a great welcome home!
He's warming up! Lots of touching scenes, God Bless 'um all! Hope they have a long stay home!
Some of them were visiting and did not have family to meet them, Earl did a few hand shakes.
We broke off, Buzz took off with his three buddies on scoots and wife following in a cage. All turned out just fine! All missions are different, if you think you have them figured out.... stick around, a curve is coming your way! GBG Thanks to those that rode and God Bless family and friends of those coming home!
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