Photo By Amber Osei | Nearly 70 members of Alpha Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion, 90th Troop...... read more read more
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NORMAN, Okla. – Nearly 70 members of Alpha Company 777th Aviation Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, returned home from a year-long deployment to the Middle East. Welcoming the Soldiers were family, friends and fellow Guardsmen at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
The 777th worked with the 77th Theatre Aviation Brigade (TAB) of Arkansas. Their missions consisted of water purification, transportation, and aviation refueling along with other assignments.
“You’re great Soldiers and this is absolutely a great day,” said Maj. Gen. Robbie Asher, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “You are truly the American hero. You’re the one percent that defends this great nation. I am proud of you, Oklahomans are proud of you and America is proud of you.”
Joining the ranks of the 777th, on her first deployment, is Spc. Cassandra Duval, whose husband also serves in the Oklahoma National Guard, but stayed home while she was away.
“We got married about six weeks before I deployed,” Duval said. “We kind of decided it was the best thing for us.”
Duval also described her plans now that she is home.
“When we first got married, we didn’t have a real ceremony so we’re going to have a wedding ceremony and reception, and then do a vacation to Florida.”
While serving with the 777th, Duvall had the opportunity to learn and experience airfield operations.
“I worked for airfield management,” Duval said. “I learned a lot about how airfields work, and a lot about how we do contracting with other agencies.”
Another Soldier who shared the experience of a first deployment was Spc. Christopher Powell. He described what it was like being deployed for the first time and the camaraderie that comes with being overseas.
“It was scary at first seeing that it was my first deployment, and then after that, being around the people I was around helped me get through it,” Powell said.
Also in attendance was Governor Mary Fallin, who delivered encouraging words and a warm welcome to the Soldiers.
“We are here to say welcome home, thank you for your sacrifice and your time… thank you for your commitment, your dedication, your love of country…” Fallin said.
Approximately 20 more 777th Soldiers are scheduled to return next week.
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 04.26.2017 14:46 |
| Story ID: | 231624 |
| Location: | NORMAN, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Hometown: | TULSA, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 191 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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