Sergeant Major Darnell Hayes.
They had arranged to meet me that afternoon.
When Sergeant Major Hayes reached my table, he stopped, stood at attention, and saluted.
“Welcome home to the Herons, ma’am.”
Almost two hundred soldiers rose from their chairs. SupportVeterans
The young private beside me had tears in her eyes.
I slowly stood and returned the salute.
My knees weren’t what they used to be.
“At ease,” I said gently. “Please, everyone. Your lunches are getting cold.”
But nobody seemed interested in sitting down.
Lieutenant Colonel Ortiz shook my
