As promised: Sergeant Cole Update

“My second and last tour of duty in Iraq is finally over. I am happy to be coming home. My family will have all of it’s sons out of this tragic country for the first time since the invasion in 2003. The 56th Stryker Brigade will be done with the various medical and administrative outprocessing later this month. After that, I am going to see the family for a couple of days, and then take a vacation out west with a friend. I especially want to thank the ladies who wrote in for Big Pimpin. It was my pleasure to get to know you all. Unfortunately, it did not work out with anybody in particular, so life goes on. Coming home to my family, and unhurt, is enough for me.”

Elliott sent several photos to friends and family the last few weeks in Iraq. At times, he would give his camera to one of the guys to take candid photos of the crew. One of them captured this moment and titled the photo “Relieved.” When I asked Elliott to tell me what was going on at that moment, he said that he had just finished his last mission and was grateful that everyone was going to be coming home in one piece.

relief

I love this photo. I think it says so much. Of course he was relieved. He had a charge of men under him and each one will be hugging their families and loved ones soon. That’s why the photo is so incredible. And that’s why he is so incredible…because THAT is where his head and heart are…with his men. He did his job. He did it well. Everyone is safe.

God bless America!  And God bless YOU Elliott!

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Janet
Janet
August 25, 2009 5:03 pm

Welcome home Elliott! Thank you for keeping us safe.That photo is a perfect respresentation how hard these men and women work to keep us safe and also a perspective how stressed they are on a daily, if not minute by minute basis.

JennaferN
JennaferN
August 25, 2009 5:41 pm

Thank you is all I can say.

Just…thank you and God Bless you and all of your men and women who fight everyday for our freedom.

Welcome home.

JennJam
August 25, 2009 5:52 pm

Well done, Elliott. You should be as proud of yourself as I know you’ve made those who love you.

I will personally never know exactly the sacrifice you’ve made or how these two tours have changed and shaped your life – – only you will ever FULLY know that. But I *thank you* for the choices you’ve made and the commitments you’ve kept.

Two weeks ago, I mailed the POW/MIA bracelet I’d worn for the past 6-years to the family of Michael Scott Speicher. It was the right thing to do, and I’m glad that I did it, but at times when I realize it’s not there, I kind of miss it. It was a nice reminder of how much members of the armed forces are WILLING to *give.*

p.s. I still think you should reconsider the ‘trip out west’ and make one ‘to the east.’ It’s kind of awesome in Virginia this time of year. 🙂

Karen K
Karen K
August 25, 2009 7:39 pm

Thank you for your service Sgt Cole. Thank you for your sacrifice. I am grateful to you and all of the brave men and women that defend and represent our great nation so selflessly. Welcome home! Enjoy your time with your family and friends. Have a wonderful and well deserved vacation!

Patriot
August 25, 2009 8:08 pm

THANK YOU. God protected you – and we are thankful!

Rebekah B
Rebekah B
August 25, 2009 8:26 pm

This picture brought tears to my eyes. You have a very special cousin!

Shelly
Shelly
August 25, 2009 9:23 pm

That picture brought me to tears. Thank you so much for sharing and thank you so much Elliott for making the sacrifices you have made, so that my family can live free. I appreciate you more than you know.

Thank you again!

Pat
Pat
August 25, 2009 9:29 pm

Welcome home!!!!! I add my thanks for your sacrifice and years spent in the service of our great country.
And never fear, you will find someone that will appreciate you. The big pimpin thing may not have worked out for a reason…this girl is just around the corner. Take time to be a “kid” again and enjoy the freedom you worked so hard to defend!

AliKat
August 26, 2009 3:47 am

This picture says a thousand words — it brings tears to my eyes

I have so much respect for our men and women who are brave enough to fight for our country and to put themselves in harm’s way so that we’ll continue to be safe in America. Thank you!

Best of luck to you on quest for “The One”. If I was ten years younger I may have sent in my own profile for “Big Pimpin'”…but my husband probably wouldn’t have liked that. ( :

Welcome home!

RM1SW
RM1SW
August 26, 2009 9:05 am

Thank you for all that you have done. We all will celebrate your homecoming with fond wishes and greatfull thanks. But most of all, the lady who is still out there, waiting to cross paths with you, being patient. She will walk into your life.

saggleo
saggleo
August 26, 2009 10:09 am

GREAT GREAT GREAT NEWS!!!! Thank you and your men for your service to our country and I am so glad to know ALL OF YOU will be coming home to hug your families!

Safe travels back!

God Bless!

angied
angied
August 26, 2009 10:48 am

Welcome Home Seargant. I am forever greatful for the sacrifices you and all the men and women in the armed forces make for the freedoms we as Americans enjoy. Hugs to you and again, Welcome Home Soldier!

Chris
Chris
August 26, 2009 11:21 am

Welcome HOME and a big thank you from Holland MI!!!!! Have a blast reuniting with your precious family and friends.

Thank you for all you did and know that you are precious to us!!!!

mira
mira
August 26, 2009 11:49 am

Give Elliot a big hug and THANK YOU for me!

ally
ally
August 26, 2009 1:24 pm

WOW, that picture says it all!! Thank you Elliot! Welcom back!

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