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In honor of Veterans Day, I thought I would post some photos from a recent return from Iraq of several members of the Wyoming Air National Guard at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. These men and women were from the 153rd Airlift Wing and their jobs are to haul supplies, food and personnel around Iraq on 60 days rotations.

All in all, a pretty scary position to be in when we consider how the insurgents in Iraq have been known to target those carrying supplies for the U.S. military.

This thought really stuck with me as I noticed how emotional this homecoming was for the returning soldiers and their families and friends.  From the moment that mothers began to excitedly point out the incoming transport plane to the hugs and kisses between airmen and their loved ones, you could see how long these moments had been anticipated.

These emotional moments resonate with me now on this day of recognition for those who have served their country. To me, these photos are a reminder that military members indeed sacrifice much for us, but their loved ones do as well through the worry and loneliness of separation which comes with the job.

However, the photos, as well as the experience of shooting the assignment, also remind me that there is much joy when those who serve are reunited with their families. I suppose every coin has two sides.