As an Army brat, I recall waiting for letters and hoping not to see a notification team.

We knew that some families could communicate, but I don't recall my mother ever being able to get a link to my father during his service with the 1st Cavalry Regiment.

I recall him returning, without notice, late in the night, a darker, thinner and quieter version of the man who left.

I recall the rapturous joy on the face of my younger sister when she recognized him -- six months after his return.