195 Soldiers Return on the First of Two Flights Tuesday Evening

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Fort Campbell, KY – The first of two flights arrived at Campbell Army Airfield around 6:45pm Tuesday evening bring home 195 soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. As notice was given that the plane was approximately 15 minutes away, the crowd headed outside to wait for their arrival.

Even the high heat and humidity did not stop friends and family from making their way out to welcome home their soldiers. There were signs of all sizes and colors that had messages to the returning soldiers.

195 soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team disembark and make their way across the tarmac to Hanger 3 as their family and friends cheer them on

Soldiers made their way from the plane, stopping to shake hands and hug their fellow wounded soldiers who were on hand to welcome them home. The line got a little backed up at one point, but there were no complaints from anyone. It was just a happy and rejoyceful moment as they were reunited together. Erica McCoy was just happy to have her fiancee returning home to complete their wedding plans. She held a sign that said ” Noah, I can’t wait to marry you ”

As soldiers formed up outside hanger 3, the wounded soldiers line the first rank. Once inside, Commanding General Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell welcomed them home in a brief ceremony. He thanked them for their dedication and sacrafices they have endured.

SPC Noah McGinns was welcomed home by his fiancee Erica McCoy along with his brother Jordan, cousin Brock, his parents Louanne and Rocky McGinnis, grand parents Harvey and Margie McGinnis and Erica's parents Lisa and Eric McCoy

Once soldiers were released for 15 minutes of family time, it was a race to the hanger floor in search of their soldier. Eric McCoy spotted Noah and went to bring him back to the bleacher area to meet with family members. It’s been a long year planning for their wedding. They were engaged last May and Noah was deployed in June 2010. The wedding is planned for July.

Commanding General Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schroeder made their rounds across the hanger floor to shake hands with soldiers as they welcomed them home.

If you wish to attend a Welcome Home Ceremony, check the flight schedules online, as times are subject to change at anytime. When arriving to Fort Campbell, enter via Gate 7; if you don’t have installation stickers on your vehicle, you will be required to get a visitor pass. From there just follow the signs to the ceremony parking. Waiting buses transport family members safely to the hanger.