What was the first thing you did, or going to do, when you returned from a deployment?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:25:03 -0400

For these that deployed while in the military I am sure you have had some grand adventure planned upon your return back stateside? What did you do and did it work out the way you wanted it too?

And for those that are deployed right now what plans do you have when you get stateside? For me I am going to get me a nice steak and a gentleman's drink. Nothing too crazy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 6:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:27:28 -0400

I figure it is going to look something like this.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made May 15 at 2015 6:28 PM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:28:58 -0400

Cried and held my kiddo and parents. Then was treated to awesome dinner.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 6:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:32:37 -0400

Kissed the ground.

Those who experience THOSE countries tend to appreciate American soil much much more.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 6:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:54:01 -0400

Hug my wife and kids then take them to dinner so I can get some real food.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 15 at 2015 7:15 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 15 May 2015 19:15:45 -0400

Kissed my wife then, asked her to drive me to McDonalds. Everything after that was minutia.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 7:23 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 19:23:46 -0400

Main thing for me was just getting to spend time with my family. It was definitely easier the first time (I was single, no kids), so spending time with the family consisted mainly of my Mom and little brother. Coming back the second time with the wife and kids...I don't think I realized how not used to being around the kids I had got. Took a little time to adjust and let things get all back to normal. So, I think it's important to have plans for when you get back, but got to try not to rush things and do too much. Just my two cents.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made May 15 at 2015 7:23 PM

TSgt Gwen Walcott — Fri, 15 May 2015 19:23:21 -0400

laundry & repack for next deployment
(we invented high ops-tempo ---> back in the 60's)
We were ALWAYS deployed. PCS station was a mere paper entry

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 15 at 2015 7:53 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 15 May 2015 19:53:19 -0400

I always wanted to be home in my Family's Arms. Enjoying peace and quiet and solace.

Response by SSG James Doherty made May 15 at 2015 7:55 PM

SSG James Doherty — Fri, 15 May 2015 19:55:17 -0400

My wife.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 15 at 2015 8:37 PM

SFC Stephen King — Fri, 15 May 2015 20:37:31 -0400

Hugged Wife and Son went home and Grilled Steak

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:34 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 21:34:21 -0400

I hugged my family members, ate the largest steak I could find, and cracked open a bottle of Woodford Reserve.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 22:25:56 -0400

I stared at (green) grass for a while

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 22:40:03 -0400

First 2 deployments. Family (wife etc). Last deployment free, happy single. Civilian friend of mine was there with his wife with a 60 qt cooler full of beer. :). I think the last deployment was the best. Had a pretty stout bank acct saved up and and ice cold adult beverage waiting.

Response by SSG VNicia Young made May 15 at 2015 11:12 PM

SSG VNicia Young — Fri, 15 May 2015 23:12:27 -0400

I am going to first hug my family really tight when I get off the plane have a real home cooked meal and SLEEP!

Response by SSG Toryn Green made May 16 at 2015 1:34 AM

SSG Toryn Green — Sat, 16 May 2015 01:34:42 -0400

Well, seeing to it as I was MEDEVACed from Afghanistan to Landstuhl, Landstuhl to Walter Reed, and Walter Reed to Fort Leonard Wood, the first thing I did was get settled in the room and sleep. It wasn't for a few more days that I was able to FINALLY hold my wife and daughter. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 2:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 May 2015 02:42:18 -0400

Enjoying being there in person with my wife and kids (3 & 4 years old) and doing the little things with them again.

Crack open a bottle of Maker's Mark or Knob Creek and pair it with a nice 3/4" to 1" NY Strip grilled to the perfect Rare/Medium Rare.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 16 at 2015 10:46 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 16 May 2015 10:46:13 -0400

While deployed I never took any leave, so I took all 30 days at the end. Was great to have 30 days and not have to think or plan anything. I headed back to Idaho and Oregon to visit family and friends. -Was great.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 16 at 2015 12:11 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sat, 16 May 2015 12:11:15 -0400

I went to a Black Angus (steak place, don't know if it's still around), ordered the biggest steak they had medium well (don't judge), a huge baked potato, and beer and ate every damn bite. Then I had seconds.

Response by SGT Dylan Epp made May 16 at 2015 1:29 PM

SGT Dylan Epp — Sat, 16 May 2015 13:29:28 -0400

Bottle of Lagavulin out side in the sun :)