Friends, Fare-wells, and Fond Returns Home...

1327hrs, 20 Sept 2011:
I've finished the requisite paperwork, packed all of my belongings, signed out with the AMEDD Center & School, enjoyed a final breakfast with some close friends and a final lunch with mom & dad, and am now seated at a computer in the USO at SATX Airport.  In roughly 2 hours, I will be airborne headed towards...home.  That place where you, "hang your hat," where, "your heart is," where, "you long to be."  Nothing could be more true in my case.  Home...I love the sound of that.  To my beautiful ladies who have soldiered through 70 days of making it without me, I'm coming home to you.  See you soon, my angels...I love you dearly and can't wait to hold you in my arms when I arrive!
To mom and dad, my life-long support system: you've never failed to completely support my family and me in any endeavor, through thin or flush.  I, we, all love and appreciate you dearly.  You have made my time here completely more tolerable and enjoyable.  Can't wait to see you at birthday/Halloween time.  Thank you, God bless, and I love you.
To the extended family and friends at home, I am eternally grateful for you helping out with the lovely ladies I had to leave behind.  I know you did more than I ever heard about, so thank you.  In the future, there will certainly be longer periods of time when I will be away.  I trust you and rely on you to watch over my family in my absence.  Thank you for all you've done and will do...I am eternally grateful.
And, one final time, to my dear new colleagues and friends from BOLC 11-115, especially those from my beloved 6th Platoon/"6-Pack + 1," you are all more dear to me than you will ever know.  When so many of you prior service folks told us newbies that you have never gotten so close to a group of fellow soldiers in such as short amount of time, I am convinced that what we shared these past few months was truly unique and special.  Ups and downs aside, you all made me feel welcome, successful, proud, and comfortable through every aspect of our training.  And in our down time, I can't recall a time in recent memory when I had so much fun!  Whether it was a Friday movie, a Tuesday "Wii Glee" episode, a game of hearts or spades at Bullis, or a random Toga party, it was all exceptionally fun and filled with memories.  You will all remain in my heart eternally, and I'll see you down-range.
To a few specific people:
Sussman: I will forever be able to "RTFU" because of you; thank you, it means a lot!  Peace.
Tomlinson: God be with you in your upcoming journey; I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Peace.
Perkins: Take care of that beautiful little girl; you are a genuinely good man and I am better for having lived with you these many weeks.  Peace.
And to my beloved "6 Pack + 1":
Turner: I know how hard it has been and is about to be so soon in your Army career, but if anyone can whether the storm with grace and success, it is you.  Be safe down-range; I'll miss you.  Peace.
Welch: Keep that magnificent sense of humor and innocence.  You are an exceptional person and will make a superb nurse.  I miss you already; have fun in Germany ("Ya, mon!").  Peace.
Shep: Holy S#!t!  You sir, are the craziest sonnamagun I have ever met, but I love you for your humor, sincerity, guidance, and friendship.  These past days have been empty without you.  Take care of that beautiful boy when he arrives, and remember that "Matthew Lawrence" is a great name for him!  Peace.
Smith: Innocence, chivalry, humor and flatulence: the four great qualities of my dear friend Matticus!  Any time I run over an Afghan, I will think of you, my friend.  Peace.
Valdivieso:  My sweet friend, you have been my guiding hand throughout our time together.  Our friendship will remain special to me for years to come.  Nothing more can be said that hasn't been said already.  Peace.
Simpkins:  The founder of the feast, the leader of the clan, the teacher, the instigator, "the man."  I am grateful for your friendship and leadership.  You will remain the inspiration of my Army efforts for years to come.  Be safe down-range; I pray our paths cross again soon.  Noah is a lucky boy to have you in his life.  Peace.
So, for one final time to 6th Platoon/"6 Pack + 1," I say I love you, I miss you, "I got you (a la Quinn)," and a big ol' Tee Hee HEE!!
Girlies...I'm coming home with open arms.  See you soon.
With eternal love, gratitude, and a touch of sadness, I sign off one last time from San Antonio.  Take care, God bless, and as always...
Peace.