My next encounter a few blocks down was not a homeless guy, but it was Private Gibson. Fresh off the boat from Iraq. He was catching the greyhound bus to head up to visit the girlfriend and family he left behind for the Holidays. I took a picture of this stocky Normal Rockwell looking GI from across the street. I was thinking as I took the picture that he reminded me on Pat Tilman in his build, with a shy boyish grin as he noticed me photographing him. I figured it was his first tour and his first homecoming, that smile was the kind of first timers nervous smile I would have if I was just getting of a transport and someone I did not know was taking my picture. I call it that sense of pride and glory every young man gets the first time he accomplishes something he knows and you know is note worthy.
I went across the street to saw hello and welcome home as i watched him nervously adjusted his very heavy looking gear bag. He was a good kid, you could tell by his personal style. He had done his country proud and he deserved a random handshake and a Merry Christmas. Welcome Home Pvt. Gibson, good luck to you and all your fellow soldiers in this new year. Thanks for holding down the fort.
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