After a seven and a half month deployment to Afghanistan I returned home at the beginning of November. My parents met me at the airport and took me to Fran's in Dartmouth for lunch. While I sat there eating, still wearing my Desert Combat uniform, I had people giving me every look in the book, wondering what I was doing and what I was wearing. As we were finishing up, a young boy came over to me, politely interrupted my meal and said two words that made those seven and a half months worth it. Being away from my family and friends, and deploying over to Afghanistan all seemed to be a non-issue with those two simple words: "Welcome Home." I was so caught off guard that the only thing I could think to say was "It's good to be home." To the young man, I'd just like to thank you for making it all worth while, I would have liked to shake your hand. For everyone else, follow this kids lead, and thank a veteran, thank the troops and make sure to support them. It's not an easy job to do, and here on the east coast we really don't get to show our appreciation like they do along the Highway of Heroes in Toronto. Take the time and thank a soldier, sailor or airman/airwoman.

--It's good to be home