Simmons { Welcome Home Soldier }

Monday, I had the amazing opportunity to photograph the homecoming of fellow photographer Victoria Simmons ( Victoria Simmons Photography)'s husband. It was amazing to be able to be there with her and feel the anxiety and the joy. 

When the announcer said "The buses are One mile away", Victoria and I bolted across the street to the median so she and Adalin could wave to the soldiers coming in. She had the biggest smile on her face. We were screaming and yelling and it was real. It was here. Her husband was home! Just a few more minutes and she could hold him in her arms!

We ran to the field as the buses had past. We cheered and screamed and waited for the soldiers to march across the field. The Marne Song (Fort Stewart Motto : Rock of the Marne) and National Anthem played. My heart raced knowing I was about to see a family reunited. 

Then the songs were over... She heard the words she had been waiting for... "Go congratulate these damn fine soldiers!" 

And she held him and kissed him and felt whole again. 

A Dad filled with joy saw his baby girl. She wasn't on Skype anymore. She was right there in front of him waiting to be held.

And Adalin walked to her Daddy for the first time... 

Welcome Home ,Soldier! 

Thank You Simmons Family for allowing me to capture these moments for you! 

-Carmen