Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Shuntanna Armstrong, the information assurance non-commissioned officer...... read more read more
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KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Task Force Arctic Wolves is wrapping up a year-long deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and the thoughts of the soldiers who have spent a year away from family, friends, and the comforts that most take for granted, turn toward home and the process of readjusting to normal life.
Rejoining family is the principal thought on most soldiers’ minds as they pack their gear, reflect on how the deployment has been for them, and say goodbye to Afghanistan.
“It’s been a long year away from my wife,” says Sgt. Ryan Fuller, an infantryman with the Brigade Tactical Assault Command. “That’s all I’m really looking forward to is spending time with her.”
Staff Sgt. Shuntanna Armstrong, the brigade information assurance non-commissioned officer, also has family in mind. “I’ve got to get back to my baby girl. I’ve been gone too long and I’ve missed her.”
After a year in the strictly controlled environment of a forward operating base, things as simple as wearing jeans, lying in the sun, or just driving are things to look forward to.
“I just want to get in my car and drive instead of walking everywhere,” says Sgt. Alaina Lewis, communications non-commissioned officer with the brigade.
“Probably the first thing I’m going to do is hit the gym,” says Spc. Joshua O’Quinn, an infantryman with the Brigade Tactical Assault Command, “I’ve got to keep up the workout routine I’ve had for the deployment, but, then McDonald’s…Definitely McDonald’s… Just because I can. And after that I’ve got a hunting trip planned.”
Enjoying the plethora of outdoor activities Alaska is known for is high on several soldiers’ to do list.
“I’m really looking forward to doing some fishing and hunting,” says Staff Sgt. Charles Marsh, assistant operations NCO at FOB Masum Ghar’s Base Defense Operations Center. “Getting on a four wheeler or out on a boat, that’s what I’ll be doing.”
At an awards ceremony at FOB Masum Ghar, Col. Todd Wood, commander of the 1/25 SBCT, cautioned soldiers to continue to be safe and responsible during redeployment and reintegration; to look out for each other. “You’ve spent the last year being there for your buddies, and they’ve been there for you; that doesn’t stop when you get home.”
Over the course of the deployment, the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division has turned what was one of the most hostile and volatile areas in Afghanistan into a more secure and stable environment that is preparing to transition security operations to the Afghan Army and Police forces.
“It’s been a deployment, they’re all pretty much the same,” says Sgt. Corey Buffington, an Infantryman with the Brigade Tactical Assault Command. “I’ve made a lot of good friends this deployment, though; More than the last one. I’m ready to go home. I’m going to get there just in time for my daughter’s first birthday.”
Sgt. Scott Larson, an operations NCO, is a little more pragmatic. “I’m going to buy a truck, and then get back to work. No real parties or celebrations planned. I’m just going to get back to work, it’s what I do.”
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2012 03:29 |
| Story ID: | 86072 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: | FAIRBANKS, ALASKA, US |
| Hometown: | WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 821 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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