What a long drive it was down to Columbia, SC! We finally made it late on Wednesday and we arrived on the base bright and early Thursday morning. After what seemed like an eternity, and too many people getting up to speak, it was finally time. Some smoke bombs came from the woods across the field, and while Toby Keith's song played, the six companies of almost 800 soldiers emerged from the smoke. It was very moving. Finally, they gave us the go ahead to "Go find your soldier!" What a madhouse. The soldiers had to stay in formation until the family found them. Ricky actually saw us first, we would never have recognized him. He looked so good.
He had to stay on post, so we spent the day exploring. We had lunch by a lake under a gazebo. There was a special dinner at 5 that night and he had to be back at his barracks at 8pm. It went by so fast, but it was wonderful listening to all his stories. I don't think I've heard him talk that much in his entire life! Brent, Ashley and I went back to our room anxiously awaiting the next morning, his graduation, and getting to take him off base.
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