Photo By Pfc. Catherine Black | Soldiers of the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command and their families reunite...... read more read more
DES MOINES, Iowa - The 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command returned to Volk Airfield, Wis., April 7, greeted with a warm welcome from old friends and comrades. The Wisconsin American Legion Riders provided a cordon of U.S. flags the soldiers walked through into a reception hall. Inside volunteers from Operation Homefront provided refreshments, cake, and cookies.
The soldiers of the 103rd were the primary logistical planners for the return of equipment and personnel from Iraq during their tour. They directed and supervised the supplying of the approximately 48,000 service-members serving in Iraq, along with overseeing the operations of postal and financial services operating on bases located throughout Iraq.
The troops were back in the U.S., but they were not home yet. The following days included a demobilization process, a Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award Ceremony, and finally the drive home to their families.
The Welcome Home Warrior Citizen Award Ceremony took place Sunday at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 10, honoring the 103rd ESC for their direct support of Operation New Dawn.
Approximately 140 personnel were recognized for their service and significant contribution during the deployment from May 2010 until April 2011.
Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, and Sen. Tom Harkin sent letters to the 103rd ESC expressing their sincere appreciation for the service, commitment, and success of the soldiers’ mission in support of the operation:
“Your service in keeping our great country free in no way goes unrecognized. Furthermore, I am delighted that I have this opportunity to express how grateful I am and I couldn’t be more honored by your commitment to freedom,” read the letter from Grassley.
Presidents of two chapters of the Wisconsin American Legion Riders were also in attendance. Gen. Mark Corson said in recognition of their service in Vietnam, “We want to thank you for the tremendous support you always provide our soldiers when they deploy and return home. We know that most soldiers of your generation did not receive that kind of support from their communities during the Vietnam War. We want to thank you for the sacrifices of your generation, and all the veterans of past wars. Society has learned a lesson from your experiences and I believe that has contributed to the appreciation the public shows us today.”
On April 13, the 103rd ESC returned to a hero's welcome as families cheered and waved banners at their return. The buses the troops rode were escorted by dozens of Iowa American Legion Riders. The soldiers marched off the buses to the sound of bagpipes courtesy of the Iowa Scottish Pipe and Drum Corp.
The welcome home ceremony took place at Fort Des Moines bringing together military families, friends, and supporters from the community including the Employer Support of the Iowa Guard and Reserve.
“This is the fourth time I’ve done this, and you think that you’ll get used to it, but you never do,” Maj. Dennis Murphy said. "After being gone for a year, it really drives home what things in life are truly important. You realize how fortunate you are to have a loving family that supports you while you’re away from home. Coming home is very emotional. You try to prepare yourself for it, but you really can’t. I really enjoy being home.”
Corson spoke to the onlookers of the ceremony saying, “It was absolutely my dream job to have the privilege to lead your soldiers in combat. I thank God for that, because your soldiers are outstanding Americans.”
Corson uncased an American flag proclaiming the symbolism of the event to a roar of cheers, "Families, this flag means that your loved ones are home again!"
| Date Taken: | 04.13.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.27.2011 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 69441 |
| Location: | DES MOINES, IOWA, US |
| Web Views: | 319 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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