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Photo by Bill Larson clarksvilleonline.com

Thank you, Bill Larson, for being a part of our welcome home ceremony again! We appreciate your support of our soldiers!

The Return

This is the march of heros! {click this link}

Welcome home, Clay

Simply stated… I am happy to have another deployment complete. And, I’m grateful for my faith, family and friends that made this journey with us again.

 

Upon returning to Ft. Campbell I knew what to expect. Even so, the emotions were overwhelming at times.

Rain followed us East and once again I prayed for good weather so we could be outside of the hangar to watch the plane arrive and our soldier with “boots on the ground”. We had clear skies when the plane arrived (and a beautiful sunset).

This homecoming was different than the one in 2011 for Clay had his own family awaiting his return. I knew I would have to wait my turn for one of those big hugs and kisses and this Nana was okay with that.

As the plane approached my heart was filled with love, pride and relief. We waited and watched for our soldier to approach the hangar. With over 250 soldiers on board it felt like forever until we were able to connect with the one face we’d been waiting so long to see. How can you love your child any more than you did yesterday? Well, you can!

Last night my heart prayed for the mother of Clay’s replacement. I understand the journey before her and will pray for her in the days ahead. When your children enlist, we enlist, by default.

I’d like to tell you we are through with these trying times, but I can’t. Clay re-enlisted during his deployment and the future will always hold the possibility of another sacrifice of self and family.

For now, another deployment behind us! We can go back to normal, right? 

Some photos from our reunion ~

Click on the label "Penguin" to read his history with our family.

Photo by 1st Brigade Combat Team ~ Facebook

Summer visit

We drove to Ft. Campbell a few weeks before Clay returned so the kids could have a summer vacation with Nana and PaPa.

We returned them just in time for school to start and to welcome Clay home. We love our munchkins!

2nd Return

I haven't posted much on the blog for Clay's second deployment. We haven't had much communication with him this time and life has been busy for me. I'm thankful my lack of posts didn't keep him out of the prayer time of so many that have supported us through these separations.

Last year I moved my Daddy from Georgia to a nursing home close to us in Kansas. Let's just say it hasn't been a pleasant experience. Please pray for this situation.

And, I officially started my photography business which has kept me busy and occupied a lot of late nights. I'm thankful for it was in those long and quiet hours of the night my heart filled with worry for Clay. ( Gale Wall Photography and GWP on Facebook )

We are at Ft. Campbell awaiting his return. I can't post the details but I promise you'll see some happy photos soon.

It won't be long... before we see him!

Christmas at Ft. Campbell

Barry and I traveled to Ft. Campbell for Christmas. I spent most of it in the bed sick. I was sad I didn't get to spend much time with the kids. I do believe they had a good Christmas.

For the 4 legged family member...Enya

Tiffany has this tree that will stay up until Clay comes home.

Celebrating Christmas

We passed the 2 month mark for this deployment. Yay! Hope they go fast since we don't hear from Clay as much on this deployment. I miss hearing his voice and seeing his face.

Please continue to pray for him and our troops!

It's hard trying to find suitable items to send to him...so here are a few from his Christmas box:

Ninja Turtles underwear

Penguin duct tape...now I've seen it all!

Updates and Thankful

Yesterday I kept thinking I should sit down and update everyone on Clayton.

You know I love to snap a pic of good stuff like this

Today I do so with a thankful heart.

He finally arrived to his destination and is settling in to do the tasks at hand. I pray he finds rest during his deployment. After all, there are few days off in war.

With him arriving to his destination I have a mailing address for him. If you would like it, please contact me.

This morning we awoke to the news his FOB was attacked. Thank goodness for time differences and communication that he was safe.

Even though I entered this second deployment with a sense of peace doesn't mean there are no worries. The reality of war rattled us today.

And, to Clayton. We are grateful for communication, especially on days like these. There are so many people praying for you on a daily basis. Today, I'm sure God heard your name many more times as our church family offered prayers and thanks. We love you beyond words.

Flag Tie

I'm a little late posting this on the blog. I shared it on my Facebook page a couple of weeks ago. On Clay's last deployment Barry wore this Flag tie every Sunday. You can click on the post label "flag tie" and read the old posts on it.

And so, this is his attire, at least tie wise, until Clay returns home.

I am thankful for my sweet friend, Terrie and this gift. A "Wall of Truth" filled with scripture to turn to during this deployment. Thank you, Terrie and my friends from Sunday School that shared your favorite scriptures.

Faith, family and friends. What a wonderful combination!

And the updates begin

On this Veterans Day, we say THANK YOU, son, for your courage, service and sacrifice.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As with the last deployment I will post updates here. We will have more email updates this time since his access to the internet will be a different set-up and he has a family at home to communicate with as well.

While I can't post details he hasn't arrived to his final location yet. That all takes time.

I am thankful to have talked to him last weekend and also received several emails since he left. I also take comfort when I see my daughter-in-law post her contact with him as those are real time updates.

I have prepared a new prayer card for this deployment. Feel free to download and share. Thank you for your prayers and support of our troops.

Download a PDF version.

Army strong...family

Please pray for the TN/KY and KS Wall families during this time of separation.

We are very proud of you, Clayton!

Sharing some smiles

Photo 1: Clay's shack mate....SGT

Photo 2: Um...yeah!

Photo 3: If you look closely you will see another ribbon on the tree in the background. We have another family member deployed as well. Our nephew's wife. Please also pray for the Miller family.

Prayer card & mail

I hope to have a new prayer card available for download soon. And, at this time I do not have a mailing address for Clayton. I will post a note when we have that information. You will need to contact me privately for it as it will not be posted on the blog.