With Wings As Eagles

I was privileged enough to be in the company of such heroes yesterday as they prepared to make their way into combat.  So many words of encouragement were spoken, but the one that stuck with me was a quote from Isaiah.  But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:31

This is a medical unit who on most days will see as much action as our local hospital in downtown Atlanta on a Saturday night.  I feel so privileged to have been in their presence and look forward to supporting them through Operation Stars & Stripes, Inc. throughout their deployment.

I wish the lighting had been better, but I was busy back in a corner preparing the tables for the soldiers to pass though and receive support forms, drinks, and other sundries as they prepared to take off.  Nevertheless, I loved these photographs and the emotion hidden behind such stoic faces of these men and women.

 

The black and white below is a bit out of focus, but I still loved the image captured...

 

I captured a photograph of a daughter photographing her mother who was a soldier preparing to deploy.  She and her sister were so very sweet and such positive supporters of their Mother.  You could see the out pour of love these two girls had for her...

 

This was one of my favorites -- two generations of soldiers gathered to show their support for a third generation.  This, to me, is brotherhood at its finest.

We were privileged to witness the commissioning of a new battalion yesterday.  This was a first for the Georgia National Guard since the 1970s. 

 

I was so taken by this little sweetheart whom I helped to pick out a stuffed animal for her to enjoy...

 

And lastly, some of the young troops who came by to pick up a few snacks.  I was honored to be able to shake their hands as they passed along.  I already have requests for a pound cake or two.  More on baking cakes in a jar shortly...but for now, may God speed these heroes safely back to our homeland...