Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Well HELLO!!

First, thank you to all of those that have continued to show your support to my brother and I!

Well, HELLO! Yes, it's me, Jeremy/SGT Wormy. I am home and enjoying a little bit of everything. I have a few ideas for posts on here and I know, I know, I have some catching up to do. And i will. I'm sorry for keeping everyone waiting, but I've been pretty tired when I get home at night and I apologize, I've been catching up with everyone and not taking the time to sit and write what I've been thinking. Trust me, I've got some things on my mind. I've done a few of the things that I were on my "list"....including cooking dinner for my family and friends one night, I've gone snowboarding a couple times, I've ridden my motorcycle, I've had a few beers, a few great steaks, I've played with my niece, and I've been able to catch up with several of my good friends.

Like I said, I have a lot to write and lot of "other" stuff to get off my chest. This whole, "re-integration" with society....yeah, it can be a challenge. I'm going to apologize in advance because it will probably be about a week before I get to post on here again seeing that I'm leaving for Daytona on Friday. Bike Week 2009 here I come!!! I can't wait.

Well, pictures will be put up, and stories will be told. Again, thank you all very much for your support and appreciation for what we have done, and will do.

THANK YOU!

Out here,
SGT Wormy

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Welcome Home

Well, Jeremy is finally home and the road, literally the road, was an interesting one. It was exciting to finally see Jeremy step off the plane after watching the planes get thrown around from the wind. The Patriot Guard and Tennessee Helping Hearts were there to escort us home from the airport, but the weather slowed things down. Once we reached South Knoxville, the weather really got bad and traffic was at a stop still.

We finally got to Seymour and our police escort was held up on 411 taking care of fallen trees on the road. 411 was not the only road to have trees in the way. Chapman highway in Seymour had a tree across the road and was preventing traffic getting past. I told Jeremy we needed to do the right thing and got out and help get it cleared. There was a lone off duty police officer trying to clear the road and we got out and helped a dump truck driver to clear the road. We spent some time getting the road cleared with the help of the dump truck driver, a few police officers and a few of our buddies to include a guy from the TN Helping Hearts. We finally got the road open and continued on home.

On Saturday afternoon Sevierville's Mayor personal thanked us in a welcome home ceremony put on by the TN Helping Hearts. It was great to be recognized by our home town and see the support of our friends and family. Hopefully some of you saw it on the news yesterday or today.

Then last night we took my daughter and sister-in-law roller skating and there was a girl that fell and broke her ankle. Once again, it was Jeremy to the rescue. With the help of a nurse, they did they best they could to calm the girl, get her skates off and even help comfort the parents until they took her to the hospital.

This weekend as really interesting and fun for all of us. I got to spend time with Courtney not to mention see Courtney and Tessa together and finally have Christmas as a family. It might have been a little late, but better late than never. It was great to have the family together and have have that Christmas dinner we have been waiting on.

To all that support us, thank you again and God bless you all.

SGT John Strader

Check these out: http://mountainpress.southernheadlines.com/index.cfm?section=36&story=11416

http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/39623027.html

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=78022&catid=2

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

ALMOST HOME!!!

Jeremy is almost home. I should have done this last night when we got the word, but he will be in Tennessee on Wednesday at about 3pm. That is when his flight is due in Knoxville. I encourage all that can to come to the airport and welcome him home. I am so excited and proud of my brother that there are not words to describe it. I did not get the big homecoming due to my health issues, but I am making up for it by welcoming my brother home. I encourage everyone to email him, call him or post a message on here for him when he gets home.

The time has arrived when the blog will not be based on two brothers overseas, but now our daily lives and more opinions on the world events now that we are in touch with them. I promise that I will do my best to post at least once a week even if it is to say hi to everyone. I hope that you do not stop reading our blog now that we are home. I am sure there will interesting things to read and hear about, like the homecoming for Jeremy.

To all that have followed us, prayed for us, and supported us, we thank you with all our heart. God bless you all!!

Once again, help me in welcoming Jeremy home!!!!

SGT John Strader
7776