Terri Gurrola’s iconic photo in her own words

R&I – FS

Major Terri Gurrola was a serving Army Doctor who went home to see her Family during mid deployment R&R in 2007.  Back then Army had already instituted “stop loss” which meant their Soldiers pulled 15 month deployments due to serious personnel shortfalls.  Don’t care what anyone says.  Our American Soldiers showed pure iron will in pulling that off which makes them all genuine Heroes in my book.

(I know you Doggies are telling me knock it off and I’m saying belay that right back to you.  What you all did was outstanding straight up Hard Charging and you deserve more props than I or anyone else can ever give you.  I’ll just say …  Hooah … Go Army!  Hand Salute.)

Here’s Terri in her own words …

When I got off the tram from the runway, a gentleman from the USO – the nonprofit organisation that works with the uniformed services – came forward to greet me, as they do all returning servicemen and women. He put out his hand and said, “Welcome home, Captain.” I knew that my then husband George (we’ve since divorced) and Gaby would be waiting for me somewhere. And sure enough, just as I reached to shake the USO man’s hand, I heard this beautiful, familiar voice shouting, “Mommy!”

All I could do was zone to the left, where the voice was coming from, and run across the airport. I remember sliding on my knees and grabbing Gaby; I couldn’t let go of her for one second. She kept saying, “Mommy, I missed you.”

I was crying tears of joy for the fact that Gaby hadn’t forgotten me. When I finally came up for air, I saw that every single person in that airport was crying, too. Men, women – I kid you not: they were all just bawling.

Story Continues at the link provided.  Welcome Home Major.  Glad you made it Ma’am.  Semper Fi

Bugs Marlowe

Article URL : https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/oct/10/major-terri-gurrola-daughter-return-iraq-war