Once we'd lined up the bikes outside the wire near the squadron's hanger at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, we walked through an enormous crowd awaiting the return of their warriors. We had the privilege of standing our flag line in front of the temporary railing holding in the wives, husbands, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends gathered there. Speaking with one lady, she emphatically told me I'd better not block her view of her "little boy." Smiling, I offered he's no longer a little boy.
Looking at the crowd, the ladies were dressed to the T. The children were carrying signs for their dads. Fathers looked a little relieved. And moms appeared to be on the verge of tears.
We set our line, rehearsed the commands, and stood ready. While waiting, several Marine F/A-18 aircraft took off, which is always inspiring.
Pretty soon the distinctive sound, the thumping rhythmic beating of the air, told of approaching rotary wing aircraft. Then, overhead above the hanger could be seen four CH-53 aircraft, as they banked and entered the landing pattern. They were followed by two groups of MV-22s, in flights of six and four aircraft.
The crowd was cheering wildly as we came to attention and raised our American flags to Present Arms. The cheering continued as our flags flowed in the wind.
No one, REPEAT, no one took a knee here.
Once all the aircraft had landed, they taxied to their spots, with perfect Marine Corps precision, in front of the hanger. On command, all aircraft simultaneously shut down their engines, leaving just the whines of the APUs filling the air that had moments before pulsed with the sound of large rotor blades.
With obviously well planned and ingrained military cadence, the aircrew and passengers from the lead aircraft, piloted by the unit Commanding Officer, marched in line to a point approximately 50 meters in front of the hanger, here they stood at Attention. Then, will typical military precision, the crews and passengers from every other aircraft formed up and marched down to join the lead crew. The formation started from the aircraft furthest from the hanger and as it passed each successive aircraft, another line of crew and passengers joined in, so the formation grew in size as it approached the hanger.
Finally, the large formation marched up and took its place behind the initial line of Marines. Standing at attention, the Sergeant Major then turned about and reported the unit was formed to the CO. He took command and in turn faced about and reported the unit to the Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
VMM-166 (Rein) had officially returned from deployment.
After the CG departed, the CO then turned about and dismissed the command. This was the highlight of the day, as Marines broke towards the hanger and the families and friends broke out of the hanger in their search for loved ones.
We stood aside, our mission complete. I, for one, simply watched the reunions. Mere words can not adequately describe the unabashed joy seen on the faces around me.
Since less than one-half of one percent of the nation serves in our military, the overwhelming majority of the country has absolutely no idea how important this day was to the hundreds of Marines, sailors, and their families and friends. Nor does the majority of the country take time to truly appreciate the sacrifices these men and women and their families make, day in, day out.
For this retired gray beard, being a small part of welcoming home VMM-166 was simply an outstanding way to spend some time this sunny Saturday.
Footnote: Perhaps if Kaepernick had been standing with us today, he would appreciate why the American flag means so much.
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