April 5th, 2003 I didn't know if you'd ever seen the inside of an army barrack. It's not exactly the Hilton.

April 5th, 2003 Rusty's dad, Newton, presented Rusty with a small American flag that had a special message on it for Rusty to roll up and wear in his helmet. When Rusty returns, God willing, we're going to take this same picutre.

April 5th, 2003 My middle sister, Rhonda, and Rusty. Isn't she "purty"?

April 5th, 2003 Rusty decides I should try on his "battle rattle" for y'all.

April 5th, 2003 "Ow! That's got my hair, Rus!"

April 5th, 2003 Rusty shows me where everything is located on my belt--my knife, canteen, extra rounds of ammunition, etc.

April 5th, 2003 I'm getting my instructions on how to seal the gas mask.

April 5th, 2003 Was that press in and breathe out or breathe in while pressing?

April 5th, 2003 Okay, I've got the gear, but I'm way short on the training. In this case, clothes do not make the soldier. *grin*

April 5th, 2003 You wouldn't believe how much this stuff weighs! I'm leaning forward so I won't fall over like a turtle and get stuck on my back.

April 5th, 2003 Hmmm...these guys are running from the mess hall.

April 5th, 2003 Here's half of the group that went down, left to right...Rhonda, Hillary, Rusty, Cyndie, Emily, Blake, Me!

April 6th, 2003 Sunday morning formation!

April 6th, 2003 Like mother, like son...we were all delighted when they allowed little Nelson, who had come with his grandad, to stand in formation with his mom in his matching camo. You can meet four-year-old Nelson and his mom, SPC Sandy Nelson in the Yellow Ribbon Gallery.

April 6th, 2003 Is this the sweetest picture you've seen in a while? "Look, Nelson! That lady wants to take your picture."

April 6th, 2003 This is KayLenn Leah Johnson O'Neal. Her mom, SPC Kelli Johnson, is in the Yellow Ribbon Gallery. She asked if I would post this picture so her mom in California could see her grandchild for the first time.

April 6th, 2003 Rusty shares a goodbye talk with Papa, (my dad).

April 6th, 2003 I love this closeup of Rusty and his sister, Hillary.

April 6th, 2003 Rusty comforts his Nanee, (my mom).

April 6th, 2003 Rusty's mom tells him to be careful.

April 6th, 2003 One last kiss from Mom.

A final thought...There were many families saying their goodbyes under the shade trees of Fort Polk. Before we left, Papa invited them all to join us in prayer. One large circle, new friends and old, family and strangers, joined hands while Papa prayed for the troops protection and eventual return. I would've backed off and taken a picture for y'all, but I felt like it would devalue the moment. Besides...I was just a slobbering mess by then. I hope you enjoyed seeing my day at Fort Polk. Regardless of how you felt about this war, I ask you to fly your American flag, wear your colors and pray for your troops. If I see someone spitting on "these" folks when they return, my sisters and I are gonna track 'em down and give 'em a good old fashioned whoopin'. ~Hugs, Shellie