Barry and Gale Wall traveled from Hutchinson, KS to attend the Welcome Home Ceremony for their son PFC Rodney Clayton Wall and the other soldiers for the 1st Brigade Combat Team at Fort Campbell a few days ago, here is their story in their own words.
May 2nd 2011 may have been cold and rainy, but it was a great day. Clayton returned home to the United States after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. There were so many emotions felt and expressed with thankful, grateful and blessed being just a few.
And, God does care about the desires of our heart. I prayed many times for the rain to stop in order for us to be outside to see him deplane – and it did. Thank you, Lord. Not only for this small gift but for your protection of our son. We saw your hand at work and give you all of the credit.
Barry and I traveled to Ft. Campbell from Hutchinson, KS to watch him arrive and greet him at the return ceremony. As he deplaned and the line made its way closer to us I called out his name and he found me in the crowd. What joy it was to see his face and smile.
We will spend a little more time with Clayton and head home only to return in less than 2 weeks to pick him up for his leave time. We are looking forward to him spending some time at home with us.
Barry and I are so grateful for the love, prayers and support of everyone during this journey. Thank you! The story doesn’t end here though.
The news of Osama Bin Laden’s death accompanied this group of soldiers home. Here too many emotions are being felt and expressed across our nation. Let us not forget to pray for our country, its leaders, and our troops.
While I’m so happy to have our soldier home, my heart is heavy for the mothers of those he trained to replace him. They are beginning the journey we have just completed. May their comfort be found in God, their faith, family and friends, just as we did.
Editor’s Note
Gale read the Clarksville Online Article on the welcome home ceremony, and emailed us how much she liked it.
I saw your great photos online this morning and would like permission to use those of us on our blog we have kept since our son PFC Rodney Clayton Wall deployed. You can see the blog at www.dearclayton.blogspot.com
Thank you for being a part of our reunion! We are a very happy family this morning.
