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
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5 comments:
What a wonderful welcome home!
I am so happy Jeremy is safely home and you are enjoying your family time together.
You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your post. Will look forward to the next.
If you have any, would love to see pictures of the welcome home. I did check out the websites you listed on your most recent post.
Thanks again for your service!
that about tells it. the road home ... totally blocked by a tree, it is raining outside, a group of friends waiting to surprise Jeremy and John at O'Charley's ..... and there we sat - stopped in traffic by a tree laying across 4 lanes of traffic.
there are pictures of the work clearing the road and maybe the boys will get some on here.
Thank you to the TN Helping Hearts for all they did with the celebration and welcome home, thank you to Sevierville Mayor for the kind words spoke, thank you to all who attended the welcome home ceremony and the kind words spoke to each soldier.
Thank you to O'Charley's as well in Pigeon Forge for the use of the patio to surprise the boys with a welcome home party.
Thank you to ALL soldiers that have served or still serving for my freedom.
Just a proud mom of two great soldiers.
Thank you boys
MOM
Mrs. Strader~
I have followed John/Jeremy's blog since last Summer when I selected John's name from the anysoldier website.
I am the mother of two sons approximately their ages, neither serving in the military.
Their blog has made it possible to support them, pray for them and most importantly, tothank them for their service. I am grateful for being given the opportunity to share their insite.
I can only imagine how relieved you must feel to have them safely home. I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
From one of the MANY "ADOPTED FAMILY" members.
Hi~Laura
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