Arrived Home on Leave

Nate arrived at his and Katie's apartment in Tacoma just a few minutes ago.

When his flight arrived in Dallas, they disembarked to a walkway above the concourse. The public down below saw them and stopped to turn, applaud and cheer. Patriotic music played, VFW and bikers welcomed, and Boy Scouts handed out bags with goodies and water.

His plane tickets were for a Monday flight from Dallas to Seattle, but he was able to get a seat on a flight out right away. No fanfare at Sea-Tac, but he didn't expect the more liberal crowd there to be appreciative. Sea-Tac isn't the friendliest place to wear a military uniform. But, more important, Katie was there.

Now they're together for a couple of weeks. Plans include a camping trip, a Mariners game, and visits with Katie's family.