CBS Supply for BBQ and Camping Needs

Broil King Single

The Homecoming

Timothy Ciciora
Command Master Chief, United States Navy, retired
Atlantic Beach, Florida

My ship was the USS John L. Hall, a frigate, just returned from Desert Storm in its home port in Mayport, Florida. As my fellow sailors, and I walked the pier, the first thing I saw, was a 500-foot inflatable Budweiser beer.

What the hell is that? I thought to myself. We had to go no idea what to stateside, while we were abroad, and no idea what kind of reception awaited us. Suddenly, it seemed, we had the flavor of the month.

A huge crowd of families and well-wishers was there to greet us, but that did not lift my spirits. I did not want any awards and decorations - I wanted only to come home. My Master Chief noticed my attitude.

"This reception is a lot better than the one I had when I returned from Vietnam," he hissed. "So think for yourself."

But after 12 years service, I got sick of Marine and thinking about out. I would be entered immediately after school. Back in Chicago, I was not the greatest Student have been, and I knew it was more out there beyond my own backyard. I wanted to see the world and get a different kind of education. I wanted to be somebody. I wanted to do something good. In addition, McDonald's does not offer a pension plan.

But now I was at a crossroads. The last nine months, those who had been. We would sit waiting in Haifa, Israel, for our six-month tour ended, when the problem developed in Kuwait. Suddenly we were on our way to the Gulf region. We accompanied the first airline in the next few years to go through the Suez Canal - right in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf for a three-month extension.

On the way home, however, I began to think my career in the Navy and was soon dispersed. Although I was a Chief Petty Officer, I was trouble ahead. I wanted a higher Rank - more power, more prestige - but I was more than twice passed over for promotion. So I was arrogant. If I could not before, what I was for the night in? On top of all that I tired to leave my family. I was not to see grow up to check my three sons. I even missed my second son was born. This would definitely be my last trip.

raged back at the pier, the carnival-like atmosphere. Along with the welcoming our arrival it was full of dealers, some with one arm wrapped around a sailor, all of them try to make money. About the crowd waved banners that read we support Desert Storm.

I raced through the Circus and made my way to the parking lot. Finally, I discovered my wife, Terri, standing by our car and grinning from ear to ear. I immediately felt a sense of calm.

My three boys - 11, 9 and 7 - were pushed to the back seat, with his face against the rear window. The minute they saw me, she jumped from the car and approached down on the asphalt. I hardly recognized her - she would grow so fast! We shared big hugs, even though my youngest son was a little hesitant. What, Who is this Guy?

When I slid into the driver's seat, announced Terri: "We are going to your Mom and Dad's in Indiana." It was good to hear. , I had not seen my Parents in eight years, and hang with my three brothers again would be great. I also needed somewhere to go inland, away from the water, away from the Mammoth gray ships.

Even though I question the trip to Indiana was feeling good, I was worried for most of the drive. As Terri and Children slept through the night I had much time to think. What a job I could get on the outside? The last civilian job I had was as a messenger boy for a medical supply store. I did not even know how to write a CV. But if I stayed in the Navy, I have not run the real danger in the fight like it? A look at my sleeping sons in the rear view mirror drove home this horrible thought.

My mind was buzzing, I did not stop we go to Chattanooga met the next morning. Figuring this would be a good place to have breakfast, I pulled into a Burger King. It felt good to big orange and red sign to see. It was like a Mecca for me. Overseas, they have American-style restaurants, but let's face it, the food just not the same Taste.

dizzy When my wife and children adapted to the daylight, I went inside and paved my way to the counter. A young girl went to the till. She was tiny, with short brown hair, probably just out of high school. She took my order and returned a few minutes later with my food. Just as I was for my money to achieve, she said to me.

"Excuse me," she said in a timid voice. "Did you just back from the war?"

I was still wearing my uniform. My hat was on the back of my head, my tie was undone, and I had a 5 o'clock shadow: But despite my wrinkled Appearance, was my dress full of medals on his hand.

"Yes," I growled, and pushed a twenty on it. I knew I was an asshole, but I would This routine is. Civilians always the same questions: "Are you a Navy Sea!?" "Did you kill anyone?" "Did not you blow up? "I did not want to hear it, yet I was in the mood for small talk. I wanted to get my food get from there and come home.

The young lady do not take offense at my rudeness. Instead, she gently rolled my fingers back to the twenty-dollar bill in my hand. He leaned over the counter and planting a little kiss on my ankles, she looked at me and stared at one seconds long, as if they memorize my face. Then she spoke.

"Thanks."

Have you ever, you suddenly feel an apology to the world? That's how I felt at that moment. Here was this boy who has no ulterior motives had offered no agenda, no business for me. And yet she is my breakfast bought for me anyway. Your registry would probably come up short, for the move, and they had one to take them out of their own pocket. But that did not matter to her. In contrast to push that back to the base, all of them jumps jumped on the train, as if the support of the war was a sort of fad, had come this young lady, the gesture from the heart. She was letting me know that they felt secure, knowing that someone watching over them. When she spoke, that express a word, I not only saw a girl gratitude. I saw a whole nation to say: "Thanks."

I suddenly felt like the Grinch feels when he discovers what's really Christmas. For the first time since I felt a long time I like the purpose was in the Navy. It was not about money and rank or prestige. It was about raising the flag. We do what we are because no one else can do or will do it. We fight so that others can not sleep at night. And I had forgotten it. So this sudden, unexpected expression of thanks from a complete stranger me to strike like lightning. I had received many decorations over the years, but nothing could ease the tribute they had given me compare. It made me remember why I was here. He renewed my faith, not only in my military career, but in life as well.

I was choking too much to respond to her. With a lump in the neck, and fighting like hell, get out from there before I started crying like a baby, I have my way quickly to the door. When I came back to the car, discovered I know the tears I thought I would have been held back now streaming down my cheeks.

"What happened," Terri asked. "Are you okay?"

"You know," I replied after a while. "It really is true what they say."

"What?" Terri asked, confused.

I then planted a soft kiss on the forehead of my wife.

"Broiling not lost roast "I said.

There was no way I talked about it would just have there. So I drove from the parking lot. A single word from someone I do not even know had changed. It has changed my life and my family. I knew I would wear my Navy uniform for a long time to come.

As I was looking for signs back to back on the highway, the road ahead of me seemed very clear.

Copyright © 2006 Marlo Thomas

About the Author

Cadco PCR-1S Professional Cast Iron Range, Stainless $118.82 For your office%2C studio or dorm room %28or in addition to your existing stove%29%2C this cast iron range holds its own with 1500 watts of power and a durable stainless steel housing%2E The heavy%2Dduty cast iron element measures a little over 7%2Din%2E%2C and evenly delivers heat for boiling%2C frying or reheating food%2E So sturdy%2C it can handle up to a 12%2Dquart pot%21 Other features includ...

BroilKing PR-D1 Professional Double Burner Range $63.99 This "BROIL KING" table top 2 burn appliance fetures 2 825 watt burners with a safety power light, high speed elements, infinite heat adjustment, adjustable leveling legs, 3 prong commercial cord, Chrome housing and drip pans...

BroilKing PR-S1 Professional Chrome Single Buffet Range $44.60 This "BROIL KING" table top 1 burn appliance fetures 1 1100 watt burner with a safety power light, high speed elements, infinite heat adjustment, adjustable leveling legs, 3 prong commercial cord, Chrome housing and drip pans...

Broil King CSR-3TB Professional Single Hot Plate, Hi Power, 14-Inch by 4-1/8-Inch by 12-1/4-Inch, Grey $105.35 Front to back burner design for saving precious counter space. Industrial rated range with sturdy housing allows you to boil, simmer, saute, etc. various foods on both burners. Heavy duty stainless construction, commercial quality....

Broil King CSR-1TB Professional Single Hot Plate, 14-Inch by 4-1/8-Inch by 12-1/4-Inch, Grey $56.27 Front to back burner design for saving precious counter space. Industrial rated range with sturdy housing allows you to boil, simmer, saute, etc. various foods on both burners. Heavy duty stainless construction, commercial quality....