An Army of One 

 

                2007

 

Isn’t it good to be reunited with a loved one after an extended period of separation?

 

It’s a sunny Thursday morning in March. We are driving from our home in northern Virginia to nearby Reagan National Airport, adjacent the Potomac River near Washington DC. Robin, who is on active duty with the Army, and who has been deployed to Iraq for seven months in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, is arriving home for fifteen days of leave.

​    I drop Marcy and Alexandra at the walkway in front of the airport terminal. As arranged, they go to meet Robin in the baggage area. Meanwhile, I pull away to establish a holding pattern. Driving past the cell phone waiting area and leisurely continuing, I note the traffic signs directing one back to the terminal. I return once, twice. 

    On the third approach, there he is—the light gray camouflage of his Army Combat Uniform incongruous with the external airport surroundings. Broad-shouldered, erect in his carriage and confident in his stride, our Army of One appears the epitome of fitness. 

I pull up, stop, and pop the trunk for Robin’s luggage—a large, green duffle bag. It is tightly packed, and heavy, I discover, as, during greetings, I briefly struggle to maneuver it into the trunk space.

    Then I receive a firm hug—and my God, such solid musculature of arms and chest! Twenty-four years old, 190 pounds, Army trained, combat ready—and as healthy and fit as one can be. I am released, and as I climb back into the driver’s seat, I marvel at his strength, his youth, his vitality.

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         Part 2.

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