Editorial: Welcome home, 846th

After serving their second tour of duty in Iraq and traveling all day Thursday, members of the 846th Transportation Company of the U.S. Army Reserve were probably happy just to get home this week.

But the Salisbury-based group deserves a communitywide thank you for serving the country.

Travel arrangements prevented the group of nearly 165 men and women from arriving home as a big group at an appropriate time for a huge welcome home. There's a chance they might still be en route. But whenever they reach home, the reservists should not wonder if the people back home realize the sacrifices they have made. While the war in Iraq does not generate big headlines on a daily basis anymore, the folks back home have been very aware that the 846th and thousands of other troops have been doing their duty in Iraq.

Welcome back, 846th. You missed a historic election. You also missed a heavy dose of political ads on TV. Be glad.

The recession became official in December, but everyone knew it was here before you left in April. Even away, some of you lost your jobs. You didn't miss that.

When you left last spring, gas prices were headed toward $4 a gallon and beyond. That was a good thing to miss. Now gas is around $1.99 a gallon. Hope we don't have a repeat.

You were not here for the departure of the 991st U.S. Army Reserves Transportation Company from Salisbury in July. We hope they are home soon, too.

Most important, you missed time with your family and friends, a sacrifice many of us cannot fathom. We're glad you're back, safe and sound, and grateful for the work you did. Thank you for answering your country's call and making the world a safer place.