R&R...

SPC Chris Stevenson, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry boards a UH-60 Black Hawk helo headed to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) on the first leg of his journey home for R&R. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

"Though a warrior may return alive and uninjured, their lives will never be the same."

Afternoon...

Well, the first six days of Chris' R&R have been simply superb. We have enjoyed every minute and look forward to the remaining few days before he departs for the East Coast and some additional time with his special lady, Erin.

What have we learned in these first few days?

(1) The days are flying! Who authorized this? What was once a 24 hour day appears to have been shortened to 18-20 hours...grrrrr :-)

(2) Chris is doing well, mentally and physically...enough said.

(3) The emotions you experience when you first see and hug your warrior are unbelievable! A flood of love, joy and tears come pouring out...almost beyond description. We convince ourselves that we have it all figured out...but we don't.

(4) What we see and read about operations and activities in Iraq are not always as they are portrayed by the media. I am sure this is not surprising to any of us...but to hear it first hand brings it home...along with the truth...and it is the truth that matters.

(5) We will never really comprehend the commitment, sacrifice and love our warriors have for our great country...Chris deployed as a 19 year-old and is now a man...

For those interested, here is a glimpse of Chris, Erin and friends as they enjoy R&R...

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as we have...as we remember the 2nd SCR in Iraq and their service.

The UH-60 Black Hawk that carried SPC Stevenson to BIAP on the first leg of his journey home for R&R. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

An Apache attack helo flying out of BIAP. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

The second leg of Chris' (Left with shades) journey - BIAP, Kuwait, Ireland, Atlanta, Dallas and finally...Colorado. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Chris and Erin enjoying lunch and R&R - the expressions speak louder than words.
(CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris, Erin and two friends enjoying R&R - wonderful smiles!
(CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris and Erin in Colorado during R&R - the beautiful mountains of Colorado in the background. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Collabman - a happy father...especially with his warrior home! (CDS Photos, Inc.)



Chris and Erin prepare to head for Hanging Lake in western Colorado (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris takes in a "few" carbs prior to his hike up to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Headed up to the mountains on the way to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Colorado - simply beautiful! (CDS Photos, Inc.)



Preparing to leave the head-in and begin the trek towards Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Erin and a Kodak moment on the trail to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris and Erin on the trail to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Hanging Lake in western Colorado...quite beautiful, eh? (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris and Erin snap a photo at the summit of Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris...enjoying his R&R in Colorado.(CDS Photos, Inc.)

v/r,
- Collabman