Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Brig. Gen. (P) Scottie Carpenter, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding...... read more read more
BELL, Calif. – Brig. Gen. (P) Scottie Carpenter, 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command commanding general, welcomed home 1st Sgt. Raul Esquivel and 87 members of the 730th Transportation Company, who returned from a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan, in a redeployment ceremony at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Bell, Dec. 6.
The 730th TC supported sustainment and retrograde operations by operating Palletized Loading Systems known as “PLS trucks” that expedite container loading, unloading and movement in rough terrain. Members of the heavy truck unit were from Bell, Riverside, San Diego and Mesa, Arizona.
The returning Soldiers flew into Long Beach Airport and were then bused to Bell, where friends and families awaited their arrival. As the buses rolled into the center, the families’ excitement filled the air.
The Soldiers formed a formation on one side of the parade field and the families lined up on the other side. Finally, Carpenter walked into the center, pointed to the families and said, “Alright, you have waited long enough, now go over there and kiss and hug your love ones!”
The families ran to their love ones with enthusiasm. Tears began to fall and there were many long felt hugs from fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands and wives; a very understandable scene after such a long separation.
Once the official ceremony began, the normal military customs and courtesies were observed with the playing of the national anthem, salute to colors and an invocation from the chaplain.
Serving as the master of ceremony was 1st Lt. Chris Browne who began by saying, “Warriors are remembered for their many sacrifices demonstrated on the battlefield. Our Soldiers who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom have truly earned the title 'Warrior Citizens.'”
When Soldiers deploy into a war zone, it can be very difficult and stressful for both the Soldiers and the families who remain behind. Carpenter understands this and tried to give both groups wise advice.
“I came back from Afghanistan last year and my wife has also deployed and I can tell you it is easier to go down range,” Carpenter said to the families. “I also want to tell you to take it slow. Your love ones have been paying the bills and keeping the home front going, so let this homecoming go smoothly,” he said to the returning warriors.
Like all Soldiers, the 730th TC was tasked with extra duties. Besides accomplishing their normal duties of supporting sustainment and retrograde operations with PLS trucks, they also protected ballet stations during the elections.
“I understand the dangers you endured and I know what you did,” said Carpenter. “I’m so proud of what you did and you are truly American heroes. I also want to thank your families for how they supported you.”
After the presentation of awards and American flags to the returning Soldiers, one and all were treated to a catered luncheon.
The Transportation Corps is a combat service support branch of the U.S. Army and is headquartered at Fort Lee, Virginia. At the end of the ceremony, the unit sang their transportation corps song.
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2014 10:54 |
| Story ID: | 149782 |
| Location: | BELL, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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