Fort Campbell, KY – In a flight Friday morning, 55 soldiers from the 86th Combat Support Hospital returned home to Fort Campbell after a year deployed into the war zone of Iraq.
Family and friends of the returning soldiers had gathered together to give their loved ones a proper welcome home.
Five members of the Montgomery County Republican Womens club were also on hand serving refreshments to the family members. They included Sue Tronnes, Deanna McLaughlin, Irene Smith, Denise Birnbaum, and Cynthia Frazier. “We’re just glad to do it, we appreciate these guys and girls.” said Cynthia Frazier. She continued, “It’s part of our community outreach as part of the Caring for America program, of which Deanna McLaughlin was the chair. We do political things, but we also do fun stuff and we are active in the community. If you are interested in taking part in our activities, we meet once a month on the first Tuesday of every month at 11:30am at the Clarksville Country Club,” she said.
Ken and Eva Parks were patiently waiting for their son Jonathan Parks to arrive back in the United States, even after he steped off the plane he wasn’t home yet; he is actually stationed in Hawaii where his wife and 4 kids were eagerly waiting on him to get back to them.
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.
At around 6:53am 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 waiting families soldiers 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.
As soon as they were all assembled, the doors to the hanger were opened and the 55 soldiers marched in before the cheering crowd.
An invocation was given by the military chaplin, followed by comments from the Deputy Commander of the 101st Airborne Division Brig. Gen. Jeffery N. Colt who welcomed the returning soldiers home, “Welcome home Eagles! First of all I want you to know that your service and sacrafices matters. Your lifesaving proceedures based on your special skills you brought to the battlefield. You inspire confidence. The compassion that you showed the iraqi people as well as our soldiers inspired home. We appreciate your service, your country thanks you! This community embraces you for what you’ve given.”
The 101st Airborne Division 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 through next Saturday. 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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