Fort Campbell, KY – In the largest flight to return from Afghanistan yet, 342 Soldiers from two different 101st Division units returned home on Tuesday from Afghanistan. The flight was comprised of 136 members of the 3rd Brigade combat Team (Rakkasans), and 206 members of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (Wings of Destiny). The flight marked a significant milestone in the return of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team with the return of the unit colors of the 3-187 Infantry Regiment “Iron Rakkasans”.
Family and friends of the returning soldiers had gathered together to give their loved ones a proper welcome home.
When we arrived the first thing that I noticed was the sheer number of people waiting for this flight, people were waiting just about everywhere. The Navy Federal Credit Union branch at Fort Campbell had once again provided yellow roses to welcome the soldiers home, but this time the family members had them in hand waiting for their soldier to arrive.
15 minutes before the flight arrived the family members were allowed to proceed outdoors to wait on for a chance to see the flight bearing their loved ones arrive.
Penny Watson was on hand waiting for her son, soldier Kasey Chrisman; along with his sister Amanda, his aunt Kim, and his homey Brian. Brian wanted to ensure that Kasey knew that “It’s gonna happen, he will know what that means.” They had arrived in town three days early from Palm Springs California, so even the recently warmer weather still felt cold to them.
Lauren and Jessica were waiting for Soldiers Stephen Rogers and Joseph Rivera. They were eagerly looking forward to that first hug, the first contact of their reunion with their loved ones. Their soldiers were looking forward to a hot shower, sleeping in a good bed, and eating some good food. “This (their return) is our Valentines Day present,” said Jessica.
At 7:48pm the plane touched down to a chorus of cheers.The soldiers rapidly disembarked from the aircraft and proceeded to march to a assembly point near the hangers to drop off their gear so they could visit with their families. As they approached the assembled families eyes sought out those special people who were there waiting on them. As they saw them smiles broke out on their faces, their family members eyes shining brightly. Many of the soldiers waved. A man in a wheelchair wearing a Wounded Warriors Project windbreaker waited on them. This soldier had been injured while on deployment and wanted to be there to see his unit return home.
As soon as they were all assembled, the doors to the hanger were opened and the soldiers marched in before the cheering crowd.
An invocation was given by 3rd Brigade Chaplin Thompson, followed by comments from Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Frank Wiercinski. He welcomed the returning soldiers home, “”Ok, now I know we are really coming home! This is the biggest one yet. 136 Rakkasans, 206 Wings of Destiny. 342 Screaming Eagles. It’s good to see those colors come home.” The 101st Airborne Division Army Band played the Army song and the 101st Song, with many of the soldiers singing along. After the short ceremony it was time for some quality family time.
This was the first time many of these soldiers had seen their loved ones since early 2010, and it showed. How families reacted to their reunion differed wildly. Some kissed, while others stood in the middle of the tumult lost in each others company. There were tears of joy and pain. Some posed for pictures. For the family men it was the beginning of the process of sharing the stories gathered during the lost year of their lives.
When the 15 minutes was over the soldiers were formed back up. It was time for the soldiers to march out to the buses, as the families were given a last minute briefing on potential issues that may arise and how to best to handle them.
If you are interested in attending a Welcome Home Ceremony, flights are scheduled for through Friday. Plan to arrive at least 2 hours early. Enter at Gate 7, and follow the signs. Hope to see you there!
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