Tonight I have officially fulfilled my duties in Afghanistan and am awaiting transportation home. I feel as if a huge boulder has been lifted off of my shoulders; the feeling is really indescribable.
That said, I will not forget any of those who are not going home with me. During my stay at Bagram I stood and saluted 84 flag draped coffins; 7 of whom I knew personally. Regional Command south lost well over 100 camrades in addition to those 84 I saluted. My experience here has forever changed my life and the lives of many others; I have pride knowing I literally did everything in my power to complete my mission, and that mission was a success.
Tonight I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal; the fourth highest award given by the Army in Combat and the highest award given for combat service.
The citation reads as follows:
For exceptionally meritorious service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. First Lieutenant Maxwell’s personal courage and commitment to mission accomplishment in a combat zone, under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the success of Operation Enduring Freedom. First Lieutenant Maxwell’s performance reflects great credit upon him, the Combined Joint Task Force - 82 and the United States Central Command.
Things have been exceptionally busy the past few weeks; many 16 hour plus work days. I know I have several emails and comments to respond to and will be doing such soon.
If you want to try to mirror the experience I have had the last fifteen months, imagine being in the most high stress environment you can think of working 12 hours per day, 7 days a week. Continue this for a period of 15 months and during that time take 15 days of leave, one four day pass and three days off. Throw in some random rocket and small arms fire attacks with an intermittent suicide bomber every so often. It has been real, and I will never forget the heroes I have served with here.
Until I see you on the other side of the world; peace, out!
Joel, as I sit here and get ready to watch the Super Bowl I just wanted to salute you and the many thousands more who protect my freedom every day. The sacrafice military families go through has been made very real to me through your website. It seems that in the political time we live right now all the “military” and “sacrafice” talk we hear is hollow jargon coming from politicians who seek only personal gain. Whether or not that is true is anyones guess but for me and my family we just want to say THANK YOU!
Glen
Comment by Glen — February 4, 2008 @ 12:11 am
Joel, I am glad your time is served and you can come home now! I know your wife and kids are thankful to have you back.
Let me know when you are settled in and the kids are ready to let you out for an evening!
Thanks for your service.
Comment by Amber — February 4, 2008 @ 12:55 am
I had to drop my last student off at FT Ralley,Ks so he can do his weekend military service.I met his father(an e7 at the fort)he wanted me to thank you for youre service.I would like to do the same.
all the best David
Comment by David Maxwell — February 4, 2008 @ 4:52 am
Safe travels home!
Comment by Mike in DC — February 4, 2008 @ 6:01 am
God speed. When you reach your U.S. destination, hug your wife and children for as long is it takes. If you are EVER near Houston, Texas, look me up; you and your wife have a handshake and free steak dinner awaiting.
P.S., gave you a nice update/posting on the Dave Ramsey TMMO site.
Comment by Patrick — February 4, 2008 @ 6:06 am
Congratulations and Thank You. Prayers for your safety as you travel home.
Comment by Debbie — February 4, 2008 @ 9:06 am
Thank you for serving our country. Saw your info on the TMMO site. Be sure to stop by and give us an update.
Comment by Annie — February 4, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Joel Maxwell, I just want to thank you for your service to our country. You are indeed a hero…
May God keep His hand over you as you travel back to the good ole USA. God bless you and your family…
I’m proud to be an American and proud of all our military men, women and their families.
From OKC, Deloris/a TMMO member…
Comment by Deloris — February 4, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
Joel,
Congratulations on the successful time over there. Also Congrats on coming home. Hang in their guy, you and P1 from the TMMO are my heroes!
Have a safe trip back…
Frank
Comment by Frank — February 4, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
Joel, you rule. You’re an inspiration, brother, and I’m glad you’re on your way home. God bless.
Comment by David D — February 4, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
God bless you and your family for the sacrifices and inspiration you’ve given our country and your readers, as well as your fans on TMMO. Safe travels.
Love, Peacebug
Comment by Peacebug — February 4, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
That’s great, Joel. You forgot to add to the litany of tasks how you kept up your blogging in the midst of all of that activity. You are a wonderful example of the spirit of the US Military, and I’m proud of you for everything you and your soldiers accomplished this past 15 months.
Thank You!!
Comment by Barb — February 4, 2008 @ 7:05 pm
Whoo Hooo! We can’t wait to see you!
So Proud!
Comment by Jami Leigh — February 4, 2008 @ 9:06 pm
See ya when you get home. Be safe.
Comment by Brad — February 4, 2008 @ 9:50 pm
You Rock, Joel!!
Now go kiss your wife!
Comment by The Nester — February 4, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
Hey Joel, I’m glad you are on your way home, I bet you family is too. If you and your family ever get out to Southern California let me know, I will take you all out to dinner. You deserve it. Thank you for serving our country and for being my pe pal and writing me back the letters you did, and for taking pictures and sending those to me. WELCOME HOME MY FRIEND.
Comment by Rebecca — February 5, 2008 @ 2:35 am
So glad you are going home! Keep save in these last few days of transition. One day I hope I can meet you and your family and give you big hug: for the service you’ve done and for the inspiration you are. HOOAH!!
DebtfreeDoc
Comment by Tonya McDonald — February 6, 2008 @ 10:44 am
I just found your blog a couple days ago through myTMMO and I have been riveted. I feel like I have been living the last two years of your life in the last couple days. I just wanted to say how inspired and honored I am that you and Amy have made the sacrifices you have made for the rest of us. Have a safe trip home and enjoy your rest. You have earned it in spades!
Comment by Michelle — February 7, 2008 @ 3:38 am
Thank you Joel, for all you have done. For all that your family and others have had to give up to do this for us.
I pray that you are already home and sitting with your wife and children.
Comment by angela marie — February 9, 2008 @ 1:18 am
Comment by Amy — February 9, 2008 @ 2:29 am
Have a safe trip home!
Comment by Tara — February 10, 2008 @ 12:36 am
Joel, WOW! That’s fantastic. Somehow Amy never mentioned this… Not that she hasn’t been a little busy.
Glad you are on your way home!!!!
Comment by Judi — February 12, 2008 @ 12:52 pm