Whether a military member has served in a war zone or in a peaceful area overseas, it doesn’t matter to me.  I strongly believe that every returning military member to return home should know that they are loved and appreciated. They should know that their homecoming is a time when political opinions are put aside and a unified front is formed out of respect and admiration for them giving of themselves.

On Thursday November 14, 2013, Vestal resident Michael Cacialli of the United States Air Force will return home after serving the past two years in Japan.

Michael's flight is scheduled to arrive at Binghamton Airport at 11pm and his wife Amanda has invited anyone who's interested to join her in welcoming home this local hero.

Amanda and Michael met when they were 8 years-old, but it wasn't until June of this year that they were married when Michael was home for three weeks. Once he returns to American soil, Michael will be stationed in the states and he and Amanda will finally be together. Amanda wrote to me saying:

My husbands is such a strong, caring, selfless man and he deserves thanks for everything he does.

I know that Michael's flight comes in during the nighttime, but imagine how much it would mean to him if there were a group of people waiting for him as he walks through the doors, clapping and cheering and thanking him for his selflessness. It'd be pretty spectacular.  Please consider going and if you can't, please spread the word to anyone you think might be able. It's the least we can do.

If there's a military member in your life returning from serving our country overseas, we'd love to hear about them.

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