USA. Fort Hood, Texas. 2011. Families as they catch the first glimpse of their loved ones returning home from Iraq. These
soldiers were among the last to come back from the war. A hired DJ blasted dance tracks through
giant speakers. Some sat nervously while others laughed and danced. The 1st Cavalry dates
back to the Civil War, and welcoming comrades were dressed in Civil War–era uniforms and
mounted on horses. The DJ attempted a moment of levity by appropriating the chant, “Move
That Bus” from a popular home makeover show as the bus pulled in with the troops. The soldiers
started to march in formation toward the waiting crowd but everything quickly disintegrated
into wild clutching, hugging and tears. Most of the homecomings were tender and joyful, while
others seemed awkward and foreboding. A few soldiers had no one to greet them and quickly
picked up their bags and left.