As I walk up to my gate where my outgoing plane was just pulling up, I notice a lady with four kids – one in her arms and three carrying flags and posters saying “Welcome home dad. We missed you”. Going by skin and hair at least two kids are adopted. Patiently they waited as the passengers disembarked till their soldier dad stepped out. He could barely hear them screaming “Daddy” over the very loud clapping we gave him. 
Really enriching moment in life and points to the upside of traveling. Also glad that Delta and TSA allows returning soldiers’ family to come all the way to the gate… — at Dca Airport – Gate 16.