John K. Jonak

John K. Jonak
Eager to Start the Day

2nd Platoon

2nd Platoon
Final Picture in Afghanistan

Monday, February 1, 2010

My Welcome Home

What a welcome I received when I came home from Afghanistan! I appreciate all of the support from the Mannheim District #83 Community and the hard work of my wife, Warrior's Watch, my family, and friends! I had more than my 15 minutes of fame...I know what it's like to be treated like a Rock Star now, a feeling I wish more of my fellow military brethren had the opportunity to experience. One of the most profound moments was after all of the hoopla when I was standing in front of Mannheim Middle School, saying goodbye to my Family. A man drove up and must have seen me in my uniform. He pulled to the side, got out of his car, and stood near me (totally silent). He was a tall, lean man, that had a Jerry Garcia beard going, wearing nothing that stood out. He reached out his hand, and took mine and held onto it tightly. There was overwhelming emotion in his eyes as they swelled with tears. I said, "thank you" to "Jerry". Without saying a word, he walked away and drove off. Americans do a fantastic job welcoming home her troops now. There are programs in place to help Veterans with so much. Unfortunately, we needed to learn this lesson the hard way, and "Jerry" must have paid that price.
Hopefully more will follow.

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