Welcome Home, Kristin | JBLM Homecoming Photographer

Welcome Home, Kristin!

October 2012 I received an email from Kristin asking me to photograph her and her husband before they both were to leave for a deployment. Unfortunately, it was unable to happen and both Kristin and her husband went to Afghanistan where duty called. I get a message 8 months later from Kristin, again. This time she was asking I photograph her homecoming! Without hesitation I knew this was the session I just couldn't miss! 

About two weeks before the expected homecoming date I get in contact with Kristin's mom, Caren. Caren and I were constantly in contact every time a date or time would change for the homecoming ceremony. After a few date and time changes, I finally received the official text from Caren stating that Kristin was on her way to the US and would be home the afternoon of September 16th! I couldn't help but smile knowing that everyday is another step closer to capturing this special moment for Kristin and her loved ones.

The morning of September 16th I dropped my husband off at work, grabbed Starbucks, and headed on base. I made sure to let Caren know I was on my way and I would meet her on base! In return she informed me she was on her way with her twin-sister Cathy, Kristin's grandma, and Kristin's husband. Knowing it'll still be a few minutes before they arrive, I walk into the gym and pan around I notice that the gym is pretty full. The curtain is already dropped, the screen is already prepped for a live view of the plan landing, and people are full of smiles and laughter holding their balloons and welcome home signs.

It didn't take long for Caren, Cathy, Matthew, and Grandma to arrive but once they did we all sat down on the gym floor in front of the screen to watch the live-view of all of the returning soldiers getting off of the plane. Soldier after soldier, Kristin finally made her debut and the emotion immediately filled the room.

After watching Kristin walk off of the plane and into the building where all of the returning soldiers had to check in their weapon and do paperwork, it was a waiting game - the LONGEST waiting game of a homecoming ceremony because at this point all you want to do is run and find your loved one and never let them go again!

After an hour and a half (since they walked off the plane) they announce that everyone needs to get in their positions because they're on the bus on the way to the gym!

After what seemed like another hour, 30 minutes later, they announce that the bus has arrived! It got so silent in the room that you could hear a pin drop, when in all reality, you could hear the soldiers marching in on the other side of the curtain. Once all the soldiers were in position, they raised the curtain and everyone in the gym applaud louder than I ever heard before!

After saying the Pledge of Allegiance, saying a prayer, and giving thanks to all of the families that were present on this day, they said the words that all families wanted to hear... "YOU MAY NOW GO FIND YOUR SOLDIER!"

Kristin ran straight into her mommas arms. The last time Caren seen her daughter was Thanksgiving of 2012 so it was so comforting to watch her daughter run safely into her arms.

After making the rounds to all of the family and friends that arrived to celebrate Kristin's homecoming, it was time to head outside to grab her gear to head home and to be surprised by one more thing
.
..
...
....
Her furbaby!! Her husband Matthew brought their dog, Riley, to surprise Kristin! SO SWEET!!!

I would like to end this blog by giving credit where credit is due:

Kristin - Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and choosing to defend our country. Your dedication and selfless service truly means more to me than you probably realize. Also, thank you for allowing me to have the honor in being a part of this special day and freezing these moments that I can only hope you'll cherish forever.

Matthew - Thank you, to you as well, for your duty to defend our country. It's so amazing to see a beautiful marriage of two amazing soldiers stick together as if you guys were never apart. Thank you for allowing me to capture these moments for you and Kristin!

Caren, Cathy, and Grandma - I want to thank all three of you for choosing to support and love Kristin. Without you, she wouldn't be as strong as she is today. Without you, she wouldn't be the phenomenal soldier she is today. It's because of YOU that she came home safe and sound. I hope all of you enjoyed your time here in Washington before you had to return to Texas! It was such a pleasure meeting you and hanging out for a few hours anticipating Kristin's arrival to JBLM! You guys are such a beautiful family! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this day!

Lindsey P.