Indiana National Guard

Story by Spc. Austen Hurt

INDIANAPOLIS - Hundreds of friends, family and well-wishers gathered at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Saturday, Oct. 31, to greet the returning members of the 2-238th General Aviation Support Battalion, on their way home from Fort Sill, Okla., following their deployment in support of operation Iraqi Freedom.

Approximately 150 members of the Shelbyville, Ind., aviation company returned to fanfare and cheers, marching into a hangar lined with flags presented by the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders.

The unit, which has previously been deployed to Iraq and Bosnia, distinguished themselves during their most recent deployment by flying over 6000 miles throughout Iraq and over the Persian Gulf.

Their missions over the Gulf were some of the most significant, said Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony, the commander of the 38th Infantry Division. The unit took the time while in theater to learn to land and operate off of ships at sea, something not typically associated with National Guard aviators.

Many of the ceremonies attendees (especially those of the younger set) came in their Halloween costumes, ready to head off to trick-or-treat after the proceedings.

Better yet, candy-starved youngsters didn't have to wait long to make off with their returning heroes; the GASB completed their demobilization training while at Fort Sill, and were able to leave with their families immediately after the homecoming at Stout Field.

"We're going to get them off the buses, line them up and march them," said Carmony. "Were going to say thank you very much and release them to you. Is everyone okay with that?"

A resounding yes came in answer. The homecoming organizers made good on the promise; most of the families had cleared out after half-an-hour, to enjoy the company of their Soldiers.

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