Family and Friends Update

You probably know already that we all arrived safely at Fort Riley real early yesterday morning. On about an hour's sleep, we went right into a day of activities, without even time for lunch, but we had a nice welcome home pizza party with our Brigade Commander, his Command Sergeant Major and the Deputy Divison Commanding General last night.

With one exception, we all plan on traveling to our homes tomorrow to complete the mission. (1SG Walter has to stay a couple days to get some orders fixed.)

It has been a long year, family and friends, and it feels good to be able to report that this mission is accomplished. We are still deeply saddened by the loss of our dear comrades, but anxious to be home with you again.

My wife sent me these lyrics last October (below), right after we passed the one year mark on our mobilization. I think they are appropriate to contemplate now that we are back from spending one year (and two days) in theater. I know for many of you, you were just waiting on the news that we were out of country.

Thank you for all of your support to your Soldier and the team over the past 15 months. I know that it has not been easy for you, just as it was not easy on us to be away from you. I hope the reunions go well, but I am sure that we will have to get used to coming back to a home that has been functioning fine on its own for more than a year!

We are planning on holding a welcome home dinner for the team with family members and guests in early April. I will send you more details within the next month.

With Very Best Regards,

GEORGE M. SCHWARTZ
LTC, AR
Team Leader/Senior Mentor
1st Brigade, 201st Corps (ANA ETT)


SEASONS OF LOVE
from Rent

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes,
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In Daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?

How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love.
Seasons of love.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes!
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Of a woman or a man?

In truths that she learned,
Or in times that he cried,
In bridges she burned,
Or the way that he died.

It's time now to sing out,
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love!
Remember the love!
Remember the love
Measure in love
Seasons of love!
Seasons of love.

Oh you got to remember the love,
You know that love is a gift from up above
Share love, give love, spread love
Measure, measure your life in love.