Paratroopers return from Iraq, prepare for Fort Campbell move

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Alejandro Licea | Family members and Friends of redeploying Paratroopers from the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, gather near the flight line Oct. 20 at Green Ramp, Pope Air Force Base, to greet their loved ones for the first time since the unit deployed to Iraq in November 2004. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. Carden (released)  

10.21.2005

Courtesy Story

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Sgt. Michael J. Carden
82nd Airborne Division
Public Affairs Office

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- More than 270 Paratroopers from the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division flew into Pope Air Force Base Oct. 20, culminating their year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The troopers were greeted by a crowd of more than 400 cheering friends and family members. American Flags, welcome home banners and posters waved sporadically above the crowd in anticipation of being recognized by their loved ones marching in formation from the commercial aircraft.

Sgt. John Ryan, an electronics and avionics mechanic, Troop D, 1st Squadron, 17th Cav. Reg., was welcomed by his wife Emily and their 6 month-old daughter Mariana. Ryan met his daughter for the second time. The first was during his two-week rest and recuperation leave earlier this year, he said.

"It feels wonderful to have him back," Emily said. "I couldn't be happier right now."

"I just want to get settled in, relax and spend some time with my wife and new daughter," Ryan said. "We're just going to sit down and have a nice family dinner."

Like many of his fellow returning Paratroopers, Ryan looks forward to a "little peace and a lot less sand." They're looking forward to the change and atmosphere they became accustomed to in Iraq, he said.

During their deployment to Central and Northern Iraq, the squadron's mission was to provide combat security and surveillance operations in support of the 42nd Infantry Division, a National Guard unit from New York.

"I think we made a significant difference during our deployment," said Lt. Col. Frank Muth, commander, 1st Squad. 17th Cav. Reg. "I know we did because without us there in the fight, additional casualties may have occurred for the soldiers on the ground."

Throughout the entire deployment, the Paratroopers functioned under a very high-operational tempo. They flew more than 22,000 hours and 3,000 combat missions using 24 OH-58D Kiowa Warriors, Muth said.

Those 22,000 hours flown in Iraq are the equivalent of flying four or five years training in the U.S. The squadron was also involved in 14 sustained combat engagements, Muth added.

"We were flying 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week," Muth said. "There was always a Kiowa Warrior in the air somewhere within the division's area of operation. The Soldiers loved it because they were staying busy doing the job that they are always training for."

The Paratroopers efforts, selfless service and dedication resulted in four aviators awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, 36 aviators awarded Air Medals for valor and two Paratroopers awarded Purple Hears.

"We're very proud of everything you've accomplished," said Maj. Gen. Bill Caldwell during the redeployment ceremony. "You are our heroes, and we're glad to have you back."

"It's an honor to bring these Soldiers home safely to be back with their families," Muth said. "That's the most memorable part of my deployment."

As part of the U.S. Army's transformation plan, the squadron will begin preparations for their move to Fort Campbell, Ky. The entire squadron should complete the move by April 2006.

• Date Taken: 10.21.2005
• Date Posted: 10.21.2005 13:37
• Story ID: 3432