I hope Joss reads this!!!!

POSTED BY: Static
UPDATED: Tuesday, May 4, 2004 18:27
VIEWED: 80488
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STATIC

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:10 AM

I know that a couple of people who are not real thrilled that some of us soldier-type guys shout out firefly-isms during combat, and I can honestly understand that. However, I hope that Joss and Tim read this and find it inspiring, and I hope that everyone feels their guts knot up as much as I did. . .and maybe a tear or two will well up in your eyes, as they are streaming down my face just from the telling of this. . .

As you all know, I've been a soldier stationed in Afghanistan for quite some time now. Many of you know that I'm posting this from my own home tonight, as I have been permitted to come home for ten days on leave. It's been a very long time since I've been home. I flew from Afghanistan to Frankfurt via military cargo jet (C-17 for those 'in the know'), and the next morning, we got on a commercial flight to Chicago. I got off the plane, grabbed my big-assed duffel bags and prepared to wait in line for customs, and to my delight, the Customs officers were pulling any soldier-types out of line and passing them through, with a pat on the back and a 'welcome home'. I immediately had to re-check my bags for my final flight, and after doing so, I made a beeline outside. I crossed the street and walked into the snow, the first I'd seen since January 2003, and stood at the base of the American Flag for a second before I finally became overwhelmed and fell to my knees. I grabbed a double handful of snow and rubbed it all over my face. When I stood up, I realized there were almost 20 other soldiers with me, all who had the same idea. Most of us didn't know each other at all, but for that moment, we were brothers who had been best of friends all our lives.
We decided to head on inside, and one young man, his name was Mike, was still overwhelmed with emotion and could not stand. Another soldier, a friend of his, went to lift Mike, and I took Mike's other arm. Mike smiled weakly and thanked us. Here's where it gets tough to even tell the story, and I hope Joss and Tim read this. . .

Mike's friend said, "You know the saying, Mikey. . .when you can't run anymore you crawl. . ." and before he could say anymore, I finished it for him. "And when you can't do that anymore, you find someone to carry you."

Mike and his buddy, and about half the guys who were standing there with us all smiled. We looked up at the flag and Mike said, "They didn't take the sky from us." Turns out they were all Browncoats, and they were home from Iraq for good.

Joss, Tim and all the rest of you. . .I don't know if you had any idea that what you created would be so powerful, and provide such inspiration for those of us who serve, but it does. Thank you.

And to all of you whom I've come to call my friends on this site, thank YOU. Because of your love and support, the 'bad guys' are unable to take the sky from ME.

I'M HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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"Wash. . .we got some local color happening. A grand entrance would not go amiss."

STIZO

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:38 AM

Your posts always make me grin, Static.I hope Joss, Tim, and everyone who worked on Firefly see this too. Its good to know that the show has had such a positive impact on so many people in diffrent walks of life. With fans like these, I think Firefly will live on forever.
Welcome back,
Keep flyin

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Conquering the galaxy with terrifying space monkeys, one ship at a time...

SUCCATASH

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:46 AM

Welcome home, Static. Glad you're back.

WULFHAWK

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:53 AM

Whether he reads it or not, I promise this post will not get buried for the next 10 days.

Damned glad you're back safe; have some fun, soldier. Talk at ya later.

Take my love
Take my land

MANIACNUMBERONE

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:36 AM

That is a pretty damn good story... worthy of Fireflyisms. Very glad to have you back too.

MAKEROFPATHS

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:39 AM

'Luck dude! ;-) And to all your new pals.

11THHOUR

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 7:43 AM

Welcome home Static, and thank you for this very affecting story. Both Joss and Tim would find it high praise indeed that their work transcended "entertainment", and found a place in such powerful expression.

11thHour

__________________________________________________________

"Doing the impossible makes us mighty." - Malcolm Reynolds

DRAKON

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:18 PM

Welcome back home. Great story. Could have used a bit of warning, though. My co-workers already think I'm nuts.

Glad you are back, and glad you are back in one piece.

"Wash, where is my damn spaceship?"

BROWNCOAT1

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:24 PM

Welcome home Static! Even if it is only for ten days, enjoy every minute of it my friend, you have more than earned it.

Great story. It does choke one up a bit. I remember when I got home from Iraq after Desert Storm and Desert Shield over ten years ago, and how the feeling of homecoming overwhelmed me.

I do hope that Joss and the cast read this story, and many more like it and know just how deeply they have touched all of us.

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

CHANNAIN

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 3:25 PM

That was IMMENSELY powerful.

Welcome home Static - now go spend quality time with your family. Go on - git!

We have art so as not to die of truth ~ Neitzsche
http://www.mnartists.org/artistHome.do?rid=7922

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