This was the second group of guys that came in from the [
this] homecoming that I shot the night before!
Whew, Texas is getting hot. At least Cooper Field has a pretty new overhang and fans! Anyway, as opposed to 1:45 AM, this homecoming happened the next day, in the heat of the day. There were tons of people waiting, and like always you can feel the crowd buzzing with excitement. Wives and family members are excited to be texting their soldiers for the first time, children are running around on the field, people are talking about the who, when, whats of deployment.
This cutie was a little shy at first, but we became friends quickly. He even offered me some of his goldfish!
There was a gentleman talking the crowd over the loudspeaker, having people raise their hands for how many deployments they've been thru. Jessica raised her hand for THREE. I think I remember one lady being up to EIGHT. Folks, please appreciate our military families. They are the silent ranks and they make a sacrifice too.
After a few [not well accepted] kids or two about the soldiers being here ("just kidding folks! we wanted you to practice welcoming them"....?!?!?!?!), the police siren finally sounded- the buses were here! The whole crowd was cheering with excitement.
I absolutely LOVE the emotion in these photos! You can see the raw excitement, relief, happiness, anxiety in these photos-- not only from Jessica- but the crowd behind her! It's a little contagious- even photographing I often find myself screaming along with the crowds.
The anxious seconds before being able to shout "MOVE THOSE BUSES!"
Screaming as loud as possible, almost like the bus drivers can hear you individually. The excitement only heightens as the buses pull out of the way, and the soldiers march toward their families.
Families can barely hear the prayer & few other words that are being said over the loudspeaker. They are listening for the speaker to say one simple phrase. "Families, repeat after me. CHARGE!"
With the most incredible passion, loved ones charge forward with a eagerness and fervency that can only be explained if you've experienced it yourself. The hunt begins for that first time you glimpse your soldier and lock eyes with the one person who completes you and your family.
We found him!
People say that kissing your soldier after a deployment is like having a first kiss all over again. It's so true. Enjoy your THIRD first kiss!
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