gistfile1.js

function getMessages(name){
  return $.Deferred(function(dfd){

   var messages = [];

   // static messages
   messages.push("Hello " + name);
   messages.push("Thank you for stopping by.");


   // call our api to get another message
   $.ajax({
      url: 'API.cfc',
      type: 'post',
      data: {
         method : 'sayGoodbye',
         name : name,
         returnFormat: 'JSON'
      },
      success: function(data){
         messages.push(JSON.parse(data));
        dfd.resolve();
      },
      error: function(){
       dfd.reject();
     }
   });

   }).promise();