Significant emotional events

Bays are places made for work, not for ceremony. The floors are of made of cold, cracked concrete with walls of cinderblock painted in a shade reminiscent of forming thunderclouds. Voices echo off the walls creating a cacaphony of sound better suited to an Amazonian forest with its variety of wildlife than to a somber departure ceremony. It is interesting to observe the different processes going on. As it's so early in the day, most single soldiers are sprawled on the floor. Some are curled up so tight they look as if they want to fit in the gear while others are wrapped around themselves like a yoga mat. Of course, there are a few, arms and legs akimbo, looking as if a grenade just went off snoring away. The soldiers with husbands, wives and families are mostly gathered in huddled groups engaged in a variety of conversation. Some talk amiably while others quietly as if at a wake while many sit in quiet contemplation of the future. The children create most of the sound, playing, rough housing, cryig and getting in trouble as children are wont to do. For most of them this seems to be an adventure to be enjoyed. It is not until later that reality sinks in as they hold their parents with true sadness. The bus departure is the toughest part. The sun is overhead and beating in the bleary eyed troops and families making the transition from bay to parking lot. The tears begin welling in the eyes of many, threatening to unleash a torrent. For some the tears flow freely, flowing down cheeks and sparkling like sad diamonds in the sun. There are always a few stoics, staying strong for their families but their attempts to be like statues fail as one can clearly see the repressed emotions.struggling to get out. As the bus leaves all soldiers are looking out the window, cherishing and memorizing all they can about this last glimpse of their families. The bus travels to the airport on silence. However, once loaded on the plane, the natural uplifting types step into their role and the mood is lightened quickly. Cutting through the pale blue sky, another unit has left for war.