Deployment Blog

The deployment is finally over. I picked up Josh at the Bloomington Armory yesterday. You might've seen us on the Fox 9 news yesterday - we made the 5:00pm and 9:00pm news broadcasts. Here are some photos and video clips from yesterday.

Leaving Fort McCoy, Wisconsin:

The soldiers on the bus:

The soliders on the bus smiling (some of them):

Looking out the front window of the bus while approaching the St. Croix River:

The St. Croix River (between Wisconsin and Minnesota):

Welcome to Minnesota:

Meeting up with The Patriot Guard (on motorcycles) who will escort the bus to the armory:

Just a few exits before getting to the Bloomington Armory - at this time, the police escort has joined the convoy and is leading the way:

Meanwhile, at the Bloomington Armory, excited families wait for the troops:

The Patriot Guard had volunteers holding flags along the road in front of the Bloomington Armory to welcome the troops:

Amy waits in front of the armory for Josh to arrive:

Although hard to see, her shirt says WELCOME HOME DAD - AND THE OTHER RED BULLS!:

Kelly was there too:

Josh's view from the bus as they arrived at the Bloomington Armory:

And here's what it sounded/looked like from Kelly's perspective as the bus rolled into the armory (you can hear the motorcylces of The Patriot Guard and Kelly comforting Amy, who was scared of the loud motorcycle noises and cheering):

Josh took a couple photos of Kelly and Amy after being reunited:

Josh, Kelly, and Amy are finally together (thanks to the Fox 9 news guy who took this photo):

To answer some questions: Although Josh is home, there exists the chance that he could be deployed again, since he does plan to stay in the Minnesota Army National Guard for at least another year. At this point (and with the current world situation), it seems likely that Josh should be home for at least 2-3 years before he deploys again. For now, however, he is home and this deployment is complete. THANK YOU RED BULLS (1/34 BCT - Josh's unit) FOR A JOB WELL-DONE!!!