What a night! We started by having dinner at a restaurant with his family and about 25 friends (the restaurant wouldn't let us pay a dime for anything by the way). There were several family members and friends who spoke about him and how happy everyone was that he was back. We have known each other before I was in medicine so I was there.
His wife had asked me to recite a poem called "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" after everyone had spoke (keep in mind, she didn't know what we had done either). He had mailed me this poem when I had gotten out of the Reserves so you could imagine how special it was to me to read it to him (got choked up a couple of times, but made it through).
I finished the poem and asked for him to bring his family up front for a presentation. I told him that we were enormously proud of him and what he has done and what he stands for, but unfortunately, I had to bear the news that he had some additional "deployment orders." I said that they couldn't wait and that another person would present him with his new "orders."
At that time, we had Mickey come out with a Marine officers hat on for a little extra. He handed the "orders" to him and asked him to read them aloud. Here is what they said:
To: Major (name)
From: Your friends who have prayed for you
You are hereby ordered to report to the Charlotte airport at 0830 hours on (date) with your wife and children. Your mission is to board the enclosed flight and meet General Mickey at the Orlando airport. The General will escort you to your awaiting troop transport (a limo we have rented). You will be transported with your family to Port Canaveral where you will board the U.S.S. Disney Magic. Your mission is to enjoy seven days and nights of R&R and keep close surveilance on the number of smiles that you, your wife and your children have for the entire mission.
Should you return from your mission with additional personnel in the womb, we will be happy for care for them on your return.
Semper Fi,
Your wife's doctors and grateful citizens
They all began to cry and, I must say, we did, too. At one point, he told me he thought the gift was too much. I told him that if he didn't accept it, I would always give them faulty birth control pills. The kids went nuts to say the least.
I feel like my feet haven't touched the ground since we left there. I hope you all enjoyed the story. Again, we didn't release any personal information in respect for their privacy and likely desire the catch up with each other. The cruise isn't for a while, but I will let you know next year how they enjoyed it.
This is so cool! 
