Photo By Sgt. Anthony Hooker | Army Reserve Col. William T. Peterson, commander of the 359th Theater Tactical Signal...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas - The 490th Signal Company (Tactical Installation and Networking – Enhanced) flew into Robert Gray Army Airfield May 31 following their completion of a successful nine-month deployment to Afghanistan. The 490th Signal Company (TIN) is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
Col. William T. Peterson, commander 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade extended a firm handshake to each of the 123 soldiers welcoming them home as they exited the airplane.
The following evening, Brig. Gen. Kaffia "Belle" Jones, deputy commanding general, 335th Signal Command (Theater), hosted a Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award Ceremony to formally recognize their arrival. Jones expressed her gratitude to the returning soldiers. She also commented on how youthful the group looked and complimented leaders on their soldier development.
“Just looking at you I know that you’ve had some great leaders and maintained the five pillars of strength,” said Jones, a Beaufort, South Carolina, native. “You’ve worked at staying physically fit, emotionally sound ... I’ve watched your progress during your deployment and know that you have been socially connected, maintaining a connection with your families and staying spiritually focused.”
Soldiers deploying for the first time received an encased American flag while soldiers with multiple deployments received a certificate of appreciation. Jones personally presented an award to each soldier, communicating her belief that each one performed their mission with honor and distinction.
“My definition of leadership is when troops are mentored, developed and empowered,” Jones said. “That’s what leaders do – and I believe the 490th’s performance reflects good leadership.”
Capt. Emile Hawkins, commander of the 490th SC (TIN) said the unit acquired soldiers cross-leveled from 22 different states. Hawkins said identifying his new soldiers’ occupational skills became as critical as developing unit cohesion.
“Once we were in Afghanistan, there were missions that challenged soldiers to do jobs that were outside of their [military occupational specialty], ” said Hawkins. “A lot of soldiers stepped up to the plate, took on additional training. “They mastered the training by taking it on with determination and stayed focused despite logistical challenges. They understood the goal was to meet the intent of the command [they] performed services for.”
Hawkins said the unit’s customers were more than appreciative.
“We got lots and lots of positive [feedback]. Our team chiefs would often get comments like 'Wow! You guys really know your stuff!'”
With the mission completed, the soldiers remaining requirements consist of debriefings and physical exams before returning to their home of record.
Felecia Burgett and Darian Neff decided to surprise their husbands with a visit during demobilization. Each said it was a joy to be close to their loved one again.
“Our husbands had no hint that we would come to [the Welcome Home Warrior Citizen program],” said Neff. “We knew that out processing could take some time, so we made plans to travel here.”
Spc. Pierre Myles, a Grove City, Ohio, native, was elated to be one step closer to home, particularly for additional luxuries.
“The best part of being home?” said Pierre, whose twin brother Phillip also served with the 490th SC (TIN). “I’m not going to lie to you – it’s using my cell phone and being able to talk to my family without waiting.”
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2014 17:57 |
| Story ID: | 132377 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | GROVE CITY, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 663 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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