Welcome Home Get-Together

Come help us welcome David home!

Who: Sgt. David Kasperson

When: February 28, 2-5pm

Where: Dean & Lois's Home

Why: He's Home (currently our two favorite words)

here's photos from Tuesday ...

He's Home

Those are my favorite two words right now. David made it home safe and sound from Iraq on Tuesday. After a week debriefing at Fort Lewis in Washington, he flew into Minneapolis on Tuesday at 3pm and we were there to welcome him home at the Inver Grove Heights armory.

First came a VIP welcome from Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who shook each soldiers' hand as they walked off the plane, at the International Guard Field at the Twin Cities International airport. Then they boarded a charter bus and headed for their respective armories.

Here's how the "ceremony" at the Armory went:

We all stood around and waited, eating the cookies and drinking soda, water, or coffee. The FRG had activities for the children - tables with coloring, etc. People were getting texts, etc. from the soldiers like: they've landed; they're sitting in the bus waiting for the luggage to be loaded, etc.

Then all of a sudden, they were streaming in the side door! The minute the last soldier was lined up, the commander yelled, "DISMISSED" ... all the soldier yelled and infiltrated the crowd ... and it was all over except for the hugging and the catching up.

We went to Shannon's where David showered and changed. He had been up since 2 am - they got up, cleaned their barracks, and were transported to McCord AFB where they were checked over one last time. They chartered a Delta 747 - over 200 soldiers - the last of the MN Red Bulls that were deployed February 10, 2009 - to return. There were some from Inver Grove Heights, Rosemount, Ripley, and Still Water. About 50 at IGH.

Then we went to the "Good Day Cafe" (highly recommend - go there - excellent food, atmosphere, & service). David, Shannon, Lawrence, Laura, Brian, Nate, Christine, Dean & Lois.

Tentatively planning a welcome home get-together on Sunday Feb 28th in Willmar. More details to come.

Thank you for your prayers. He's Home!


Here's a couple news stories:
Final Group of Red Bulls Return to Minnesota
KSTP at Inver Grove Heights armory

Final Red Bull Members Return from Iraq
WCCO at Rosemount armory