The Jetway Goosebumps and the Tarmac Tears

Jake left Hector early this morning to fly to the East Coast to bring his brother Josh home.

I have been on planes flying in and out of Hector with soldiers on board. When possible they are given seats up front, where they belong. I have waited and arrived at Hector when many were waiting for their loved ones to return. I have seen TV reports of Hector bursting at the seams with people holding signs. I have felt the emotion of those soldiers around me as they walked proudly up that jetway, moments before being back in the arms of their loved ones, finally home, safe.

Tomorrow eveing at 7:30 p.m., another soldier will fly in to Hector, for the last time. He will not get the jetway goosebumps. Family will be there waiting for him, on the tarmac. Will Hector be bursting at the seams? Will people be there for the Hanson Family, even those who didn't know Josh from Adam? Will people come out along Highway 10 between Moorhead and DL? Along 59 between DL and Pelican? Will people bring their kids out? What can we expect?

Certainly, not what we are used to.

Hector means you're home Josh. We'll be there.