FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- About 400 members of the 6th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment returned from their 10-month deployment to Iraq this week.
The 6-17th was dubbed Task Force Saber during its deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.
The unit provided aviation support in the form of reconnaissance, security and air assault missions, passenger and cargo transportation and medical evacuations.
‘We were the only air cavalry over there. Our job was to work with Iraq and help keep it a safe and secure environment to work in,” 6-17th commander Lt. Col. Michael McCurry said, “We flew more than 43,000 (mission) hours in 10 months. It went great
Friends and family showed their support with banners, signs and cheers at homecoming ceremonies in Fort Wainwright’s Alert Holding Area for each group of returning soldiers.
Ruhi Drysdale, wife of Spc. Christopher Drysdale, with the 1-17th said she was one of the first to arrive at the hangar to greet the soldiers home.
“I got here at 9 a.m.,” Drysdale said. “I have a parking spot right up front.”
She said she plans to have a party for her husband and just enjoy spending time with him again.
Bree Folk, wife of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Charles Folk, another returning soldier with the 6-17th said she was very excited to have her husband home again.
“I can’t wait to be together, so we can do fun things with the boys like hockey games -- things we haven’t been able to do as a family,” she said.
Following the ceremonies, the soldiers will start the reintegration process and make preparations for block leave where they are encouraged to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy the holiday season.