Page 170 - 100 Hours to Destiny

These busses, dirty as they may be, at least the insides were clean, would haul the battle-
hardened Marines of Delta Company away… Away from the experiences that had forever
changed our lives. Calluses had grown on the hands, hearts, and minds of these Marines.
Delta Company was salty…we were Combat Marines…we were the lucky ones!

Four busses in the back of the procession were dedicated to Delta
Company, and we got on quickly and sat ourselves down. The busses were
filthy dirty on the outside but well-kept and clean on the inside. It was
definitely good enough for us. No less than ten minutes and off we went in a
train of busses traveling through the Saudi countryside winding through
highway and city, finally arriving at the Airbase. Discharging off of the busses,
the word came down that the plane had not arrived yet but was inflight and
coming in for us. So, it was stand by, to stand by…hurry up and wait.
Marines just milled about, read books, kicked back waiting, waiting
until one Marine yelled out, “Hey….(as he pointed) I think I see that plane
coming in. I think it’s going to be our plane.”

Bronze star recipient Sgt RT Zawalick and LCpl Rolando Tuazon, foreground, wait patiently for
the Federal Express 747 to land and take Delta home…Hurry up and wait at its finest.