***************MISSION COMPLETE!!!****************
Saturday morning brought the anticipation and excitement of another one of our "happy missions" as we gathered to welcome home the men and women of the 111th Engineering Brigade from their year long tour of duty in the Sandbox. Making this mission all the more happier was the knowledge that each and every member of this unit was returning safely. We couldn't have scripted their tour of duty any better!!!
Led by WV Ride Captains Bob (T-Bone) Smith and Buddy Palla, a member of the 130th Airwing, we proceeded to the 130th Air Guard base at Yeager Airport to await the arrival of "our" troops.
As most are fully aware, when dealing with the military, plans can (and most often DO) change and this day was no exception. Although we had anticipated their arrival around 1600, we were informed that due to severe weather in the Ft. McCoy, WI area, the flights were delayed, pushing their anticipated arrival time back to 1730. As this time neared and announcement of their location was broadcast, you could feel the excitement and anticipation grow among each and every family member and friend in attendance.
As if on cue, off in the distant horizon, an Air Guard C-130 slowly came into view. As it passed over the Air Base, tipping its wings ever so gently, another also came into view. Everyone knew this was what people had been waiting for almost a year to see.
As the first C-130 touched down and taxied into view, a VERY loud roar went up from everyone in attendance, PGR included! I cannot imagine the frustration the families must have felt as they stood there watching the first plane sit on the tarmac, awaiting the touchdown of the second aircraft. Thankfully, their wait was short lived as the other landed to another round of cheering and applause.
The two aircraft taxied in, one displaying "Old Glory" and the other displaying the West Virginia State flag from the cockpit windows, coming to a stop about 100 yards from the hangar, with their tails facing the hangar. Once again, we all waited until both shut down their engines and slowly lowered their rear door(s). As members of the unit begin exiting the aircraft, some pausing to kiss good ol' Mountaineer concrete, a wave of humanity quickly engulfed the entire unit as their long and arduous journey had now come full circle.
The vast majority of members and their families walked down the red carpet that had been rolled out for them, in true Heroes Welcome fashion, as we lined both sides with flags. Let me tell you folks, no matter how many of these mission I am given the honor to attend, I will NEVER understand how a service man or woman could EVER thank US for what we do on that day. The vast majority of these members walked through our line, shaking OUR hand and thanking US for being there. God, if they only knew how grateful WE are that each and every one returned home safely to their loved ones. This unit was truly blessed!
Fittingly, the final member of the 111th EB entered the "red carpet" and began her walk to the hangar. Capt. Amanda Mullins, one of the best CAO's anyone in the PGR could EVER hope to work with, made her way through our lines, accompanied by her son, Spencer. As she approached where I was standing, she got the biggest grin on her face and gave me a HUGE hug. I'm telling you folks, trying to maintain one's composure at that time was next to impossible.
What "Captain M" did after that is worthy of special mention. As those who participated in the Send-Off Mission will recall, we presented the unit with a PGR flag to fly during their deployment. Although she had forewarned me that she had "something to give me", I was NOT prepared for what she had in her hand. The very same flag that flew in the Sandbox was given BACK to me, only this time it contains the signature of EVERY member of the 111th EB!! As your State Captain, I hope you will not begrudge me hanging on to this as long as I am in this position. It is something I will cherish for as long as you allow me to keep it.
Due to the extreme heat and length of time we had been at the hangar, we dismissed our members at that time to give these Heroes the time with their family and friends that they had all earned.
Other than the slight "burp" by one of our RCs due to the conditions of the day, everything, including the additional wait for their return, went very, very well. Now that we know he, too, is okay, the day couldn't have been scripted any better.
My sincere thanks to Bob and Buddy for organizing this most special mission. A special thanks goes to Buddy for obtaining permission for us to come on the base with our bikes. Thanks goes to Col. Frye, Base Commander, for granting us access.
Above all else, my heartfelt thanks to each and every member of the 111th Engineering Brigade for a job well done. The service you have given to America, in general, and all of West Virginia, in particular, is something for you to be very proud of. As my tagline states, Mountaineers Are Always Free, and I thank you for helping to ensure that freedom.
WELCOME HOME TROOPS! MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!! THANK YOU!
Respects,
Joe |