Advice about homecomings?

ckamk1995

It is nerves going, crying, and a lot of worries being let go.

Not all units march into a hanger. My husband has deployed 3 times to Iraq and he has come home to something different. This last time, they marched across a field through some trees, talk about a sight to see. The second time we were able to see them come off the plane and march down, and the first time he did come to a hanger.

They will all stop in a formation. The national anthem will be played, probably one or two other songs, and then a couple short speeches will be given. Some rules will be given such as no drinking or driving for "x" amount of time and no leaving around the base withing so many miles.

Then the formation is released. Don't worry you will find each other. If hubby has a cell phone, he might be able to call you once he lands and you can tell him that you are at so and so place. This is what we did last deployment. The first two deployments, we just ran around till we found each other, trust me, it didn't take long.

All 3 of the deployment, my husband was able to come home with me, He did not have to go back to the unit for any reason. He had 2 days "leave" then had 10 1/2 days back at work, then could take up to 30 days leave. Probably different with the number of days with the Marines depending on how long your husband has been gone. Mine is Army.

We made signs for him and had some goodies waiting for him at home. We, as a family, had our own welcome home party. The girls made decorations and we all made his favorite goodies, and we got him some new slippers and games and some of his favorite things.

They should pass out info to the unit about time and location to pick up husband. Don't get mad if the time changes quite a few times. And don't get mad when you finally get to where you need to be and he is late by a couple hours to get there.

I would say don't make any big plans for you guys unless he has told you in advance to. He might just want to come home and spend time with you (and the kids, if you guys have any).

I know you can't wait to have him in your arms really soon

Javier S

Both of the ladies who have answered your question, have given great advice. I would like to add to it but they have it covered.

Marine Wife

My husband, also a marine and deployed right now on a MEU will be coming home later this year. Our first deployment I wasn't able to make it to the homecoming because I was out of state but i wouldn't miss this one for anything! I've been told by other marine wife's that they usually hold it in the Hanger but some do arrive on buses at the squadron and get out in front. Its all different. You can contact your marine readiness department and they can give you some better advice too. But I think a sign is a great idea! Tell him in advance what color to look for so he know what to be looking for. I'm so excited to see my hubby so I know you are too! Deployments are hard and the other lady was right, its not perfect when they get home but the first 2 or 3 hours together it feels like a first date all over again, with butterfly's and everything..Good luck and best wishes to your husband and your family.

God bless

moomoo

i agree w/ the ladies and the gentleman so i have covered more!

You will get information on where it is going to be if they are going to hold a homecoming ceremony or anything. Every place does it different. They usually march them all into building and then everyone just runs to their families anyway. You will see him come in, just keep your eye on where he is and go to him when it is time.

Everytime I have come home my sons stands way out on the side where he knows I can see him. He says he could care less about what is going on, he just doesn't want to get lost in the crowd.

Dave

It all depends on the dynamics or rules at the homecoming. Your husband's unit should let you know when he will be arriving. There might be a wives group around where you are stationed to gather the info you are looking for. Just keep in mind that when he gets home, do not expect everything to be perfect. In a way, you will have to get to know each other again. Some spouses feel a little let down once reunited because they have a perception that everything will be perfect. Sometimes the deployed spouse is thrown off because life has continued without him or her while gone, especially if you have children. This might not answer your question, but something to keep in mind about the homecoming. Trust me, when he gets home, you all will find each other!

Apple Juice

This is how it is in the army, so I hope it helps. You meet them at the hanger (that's where their planes come in) and you are in building, with like, HUGE garage doors, they will be in formation and all march in. Every claps and hoorays. They then are dismissed out of formation to go greet their loved one for about 15 minutes, then you must leave seperately and go to their units, they will usually have you waiting in a batallion classroom while they are turning in sensitive items i.e. weapons. When they are done, they get to come see you and you can go home! From the time they get off the plane, to the time they get to go home with you is about 2-3 hours. If you want to make a sign go for it!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: