My son is on his way home from Afghanistan!

[Jim Lapenta]

My son, Staff Sargent Joshua E. Lapenta, is now on a plane heading home:D to Nebraska where he is stationed at Offut AFB.

He left Afghanistan on Wednesday, flew to Ramstein, then to Ft. Bragg for debriefing (he deployed with Spec Ops, he is USAF Intelligence). Got stuck there for a day because all flights to Omaha were booked (personally for military going home I'd give up my seat or let em bump me).

Caught a red eye to Detroit and is now on his way to Omaha and his GF. I most likely won't get to see him till August but at least he is back on US soil! Proud and happy dad here!! Welcome home son!!

He went over December 3rd. Oh and he informed me he is reupping for another 6 years! GO AIR FORCE!

[D_B]

So glad to hear this :)

[adurso]

Good to hear; I am sure you will sleep somewhat easier

[SteveAD]

Outstanding!!!!

[warmwaterturner]

Hero. Please thank him for his service......from all of us that are "over the hill".

[Scott L]

Please thank him for his service. :thumb: My mother and father met and married in the Air Force...

[drrich2]

Great news to hear he's back in the U.S., Jim. I hope he gets to stay home a good while.

Richard.

[irishsquid]

That's great news Jim. Thanks to your son.

[Scott]

Glad he's back home. Give him my thanks for his service.

[drbill]

Great news, Jim

[deepwater]

Congrats to you and your son. Tell him I said thank you for a job well done. All 3 of my kids are preparing for sept. deployments, so my worries are just starting, again.

dw

[ibj40]

You must be so proud, especially about the re-enlistment part. If he has endured through one tour, his resolve to continue in the service speaks legions for his character.

My thanks go out to both of you!

[Doubler]

Jim,
This is great news! May God continue to bless him and keep him safe. Welcome home Joshua.

Jim Rogers
USN RET

Deep Water I'll keep your family in my prayers.

[F106A]

Congrats on having your family hero back home.

[DCBC]

That's great Jim, my middle son just got back from another tour last week as well and my youngest is slated to rotate in September.

God bless all our servicemen!

The only easy day was yesterday.

[Jim Lapenta]

I'm not sure when or if Josh is going back. He has decided along with reupping that he is going to get his degree and apply for a commission. He is already an Airborne Linguist and Tactical Sensor Operator. He may retrain for something else. What he does know is he likes it in there and he knows it is the right thing to do. As well as the right thing for him.

I just need a bumper sticker that says "My son is defending his country, what is your honor student doing for his?" .

[humanbeing]

Thank friggin' god

[Doc Intrepid]

Congratulations, Jim, I know that some of your anxiety has gone down.

My youngest got back in March, and my relief was profound.

Please tell your son that we are proud of him, and grateful for his service.

Doc

[Tanked]

Congrats Jim. I can't thik of a better Fathers day present.
One of the worst days of my life, and probably my fathers although he won't admit it, was when I was rejected from the Navy for a medical condition.
From all of us who couldn't serve tell your son thank you!

[MichiganScott]

Outstanding! That is great news. Please make sure he knows how greatful we are, and welcome home.

[Ron Parker]

What a proud Dad, your son is performing a great service to his country. And he re UPPED, way to go Staff Sergeant. I too served 20+ honorable years in the USAF, and continued on with 13+ with the Department of Defense, then retiring. Not bad gigs, a ton of danger with travel opportunities.;)