This mission has gone through many itinerary changes within the past two
days which, as we are all aware, is very possible when dealing with things
of this nature.

   It is our sincere hope to have firm, definitive information posted by
later today (Wednesday) or by tomorrow morning at the latest.

   I apologize for being so vague with the information, here, but OPSEC
rules dictate my actions.

   Please continue to monitor this thread for the updates that WILL be
forthcoming just as soon as they are known.
Respects,
Joe

MISSION COMPLETE

A glance at the Weather Channel confirmed our worst expectations that the welcome home for the 821^{st Engineer Company from Summersville and Spencer was going to be a damp one. Oh well, that’s a minor inconvenience compared to the sacrifice that these people have made in the last year.}

Present were Bob Smith, Pat Hanifin, Patricia Hanifin, Joe Cumblidge, Alfred Hill, Fred Turner, Lee Wonnacott (NC), Butch Shepard, Jack Kalmar, Jeff Brown (OH), Shirley Kuhn (OH), Dave Shaffer and Keith Mitchell all gathered at the staging area.

At 1:15 PM we made our way to Yeager, and joined the families and friends of our returning soldiers. The Major General Tackett Adjutant General, gave a warm welcome to our group, taking time to shake our hands in appreciation of our participation.

Thanks to better weather along their travel route three C130’s landed right on schedule, and were greeted with cheers and clapping of all in attendance. The Patriot Guard rolled out the red carpet, and thanked each soldier for their contribution. Many took time to return our welcome homes with handshakes, and thank yous. It was an experience of a lifetime.

We were honored to hear General Tackett congratulate the returning troops on a job well done, not the least of which was everyone came home safe. We learned that five in Bronze Stars with a "V" for valor were awarded for special efforts under fire to complete their mission in Iraq. A number of Combat Action Badges were awarded to members of the unit. We were most honored by the presentation of a plaque by General Tagget expressing appreciation to the WV Patriot Guard for our support of the 111th Engineer Bde in June, and the 821st today. It doesn’t get any better than that.

There are not enough words to thank the men and women of the WVPGR for coming to the call in such difficult weather circumstances. A special note of gratitude to our brothers and sisters from Ohio who returned to welcome back a unit they sent off last year. And as usual our brothers and sisters from the American Legion and VFW were to provide snacks and refreshments to everyone.

Co-Captains Bob "TBone" Smith and Pat Hanifin