FORT HOOD, Texas — The spirits of the Soldiers and family members of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade could not have been brighter in the early morning as they returned home to Fort Hood on Monday.
About 235 Soldiers from Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division returned after a 12-month deployment to Baghdad, where they were welcomed home by Brig. Gen. William Grimsley, 4th Inf. deputy commanding general, as well as Soldiers, family members and the Central Texas community.
The first of two flights arrived just past midnight bringing 180 Ivy Division Soldiers home to their family. The second flight of the day arrived at approximately 4 a.m.
During the deployment, the 4th CAB served with the 4th Infantry Division and the 1st Cavalry Division in Multi-National Division — Baghdad.
The highlight of any welcome home ceremony is the reuniting of families with their Soldiers, many of whom have missed a year or more in the lives of their children.
Jessica Ingle, and her daughter, Leah, who will turn three in July, were eagerly awaiting the return of husband and father, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Miguel Ingle, who is a Black Hawk pilot.
"We are very proud of him and are glad to have him home," Jessica Ingle said. "We are excited and happy about his return to us."
"I am relieved that he is returning home safe, but I am more excited for what our daughter is doing, and now being able to share that with her daddy," continued Ingle. "He missed a lot of her life during the past year."
"For an adult a year isn't that long but in the life of a child a year is a long time," said Ingle. "Though he has only been gone a year he has missed a third of her life."
Grimsley expressed thanks for the large turnout and the support shown by the local community.
"The Aviation Brigade did tremendous work when we were in charge of MND-B and for the 1st Cav. Div. when they took over for us. We are extremely proud of their accomplishments and are grateful for their return, and the support we have received from our families and supporters," said Grimsley.
"Every welcome home ceremony is moving, no matter how many I attend, and it is great to see the support our Soldiers receive from Soldiers, family members and the Central Texas community," said Grimsley.
Date Taken: | 06.01.2009 |
Date Posted: | 06.01.2009 18:11 |
Story ID: | 34398 |
Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
Web Views: | 627 |
Downloads: | 588 |
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