OT hubby didnt make it home VENT

(((((Darcie))))),

I know my arms aren't the ones you want wrapped around you right now, but please consider yourself virtually hugged. 

I'm so sorry for the stress that your Dear Husband and his troops are enduring ... and of course, the waterfall effect it has on you and so many other family members awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.

I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers,

How frustrating!!  Can't the military just fly their people straight home on a commercial plane and get a different crew to fly the broken plane home later?  I probably don't know what I'm talking about, but I know what a huge beauracracy the military is, so simple solutions usually escape them.  My husband is a retired Marine (Gunnery Seargent) and works for a contracting firm for Cherry Point in Havelock.  He deals with aircraft issues all the time, particularly parts to refit and upgrade Harriers.  I'm sure he'd relate very well to your husband's plight.

Please let us know when this horrible situation gets resolved.  I hope the military can make your husband and his people comfortable while they wait to get home.  They deserve to be treated well!!

Meredith
I WI**** was that simple. The problem is they have two CH53s in the plane and all the gear (think of bazillions of dollars) and they cannot just leave it. Also they are in uniform and the Marine Corps strictly prohibits troops from being in battle dress uniform on a commercial plane. The military members you see in the airport are Army and Air Force. Bottom line is NO WAY can they just leave all that gear. Everything has to be logged in and checked and rechecked and checked again. I wish the plane was a Marine plane because then they could probably figure something else out. With Iraq and Afghanastan going on it is not easy just to charter a jet to come pick hubby and crew up and bring them home. As of right now I have gotten word that the plane is still not fixed thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and words.

Darcie,

I'm so sorry for the delay.  I can only imagine what you are going through.  My son in law is in Afghanistan right now with a baby on the way. He will not be home until after the baby is born.  My daughter is handling things well, but she does have her down days.  She's 31 weeks pregnant and will always stand by her Marine.  So many civilians don't understand what the families go through while their spouses are deployed.  The whole weight of everyday life is left on that spouse.  It's a burden that most live day to day with pride.  I am so proud of our service men and women, but especially the Marines.  They truly have to take on the life of being a Marine and the spouse learns that unfortunately they come second to that  sometimes.  Thank you Darcie for the sacrifices you and your husband endure to keep us safe and free.  I didn't mean to go on a tangent, but this is just coming from the heart.  I live it everyday with my daughter. 

Deborah

My DH was shocked that this could happen.  Our son said, oh yeah, the exact thing happened to them!  He was a load master on a flight from Kuwait (back during the first Iraq war).  The hydraulics went out on the nose of the plane.  Couldn't lower it to unload anything, couldn't get a part.  His shop manufactured the part, convinced mechanics to put it in.  Got a few hundred miles.  AF said, NO WAY!!!  Went back, landed, waited 3 days for the part.  Also has had to deal with the pilots not being able to fly due to too long sitting doing nothing.  And they WILL NOT cannabalize another aircraft unless it is a life and death emergency.  Unlike the USMC, who will get their birds flying one way or another, and still be sure they are SAFE!!!!  Our son has 25 years in and has 'been there done' just about everything!

I know they will get home safely and everyone will be happy.  But it is so frustrating for everyone!!

Darcie,

I can only imagine how frustrated you are, but rest assured you, your husband and all the troops stuck there are in my prayers that ya'll be reunited very very very soon.

Courtney

Damn girl!  I know you're pissed and I'd be madder than mad if I had flown out only to be told this.  I feel for those who have babies and specially that gal who is engaged and will probably loose her job.  I think that if I had that job I'd want to leave anyway, they should understand.  ugh! Anyway, I'm thinking about you and I'll keep the guys in my thoughts and prayers for a safe return even if they are late. 

Lots of hugs!!!

Sheryl

Darcie, I wi**** was a Navy plane, one of the other planes would feel like a raped ape about now!!!  I can tell you stories! I hate to hear how bad the AF is!!!  They need to get off their A$$ and get it fixed now!!! and don't tell me that the flight crew is the only one that can fly that tin can!  Man, don't get me started.  I am getting hot thinking about how angry I would be.

DH was due home at 3:00 pm one time, I was sick running a 102 fever, but of course I had to pick him up.  So I called the hanger and spoke to the duty officer who said yes the helo that DH was on was due in in 30 minutes he had just spoke to them on the radio.  So I leave home with my baby in tow ( she was 5 at the time) feeling like crap. Get to the hanger, the bird comes in and we are waiting on the flight line.  Guys start getting off the bird and DH is not there. DD runs over to the guys crying where's my daddy?  The skipper come over and grabs her as I am chasing her and says who's your daddy?  She say AEC Walker.  He looks at me and says we had a bird go down in Norfolk and he is with it.  Grrrrr...   We waited at the hanger until 9:00 pm before he got in.  Tara sat down an threw a fit refusing to leave without her dad.  The skipper had a cooler of beer waiting for the crew so he let her hand out beer to the guys coming home to keep her entertained.  The hanger watch kept asking her for the password (Budwiser!) everytime she passed them.  The skipper made the pilot put DH on the radio and let her talk him while he was flying in. And what did she say...... Daddy I got a cold beer waiting for you!  He almost died right there!!!  I, of course, am sitting in the corner about to pass out I felt so bad.  It was a nightmare that I can laugh about now.  At the time I was not handling thing too well.  But it is one of DD's favorite stories. 

Keep you chin up and I know they will be home soon.  It's not going to be as long as it has been!  Sending you a big hug maybe it will last until he gets there!  Thanks not only for him and what he does but to all the families and especially the spouses! I know how tough it is.

DAMN, Darcie!!!!  I am so sorry you guys are going through this... Just try to believe there is a blessing somewhere in it...  When I see a pile of horse**** I try to look for the pony... it's GOTTA be around there somewhere!

Girl, you rant as much as you want! As a miliary wife your allowed!. As a 27 year Navy wife I feel your pain and frustration. I've had my share of delays, redirects, and cancellations and my heart goes out to you and your crew and families.

As you already know, all you can do is play the game the way THEY say it is to be played, but have patience, they will be home soon, and it will be all the sweeter.

Give your hubby a big hug, a stiff drink and backrub and take a nice nap. It will be worth it.

A safe flight home to all.

Barb