‘Raiders’ return to families, friends

Photo By Spc. Nathan Thome | U.S. Army Spc. Anthony Berry, left, embraces his wife, Kestine Berry for the first time since returning from Kuwait, during a welcome home ceremony in the Special Events Center at Fort Carson, Colo., June 16, 2013. U.S. Soldiers with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division returned from a four-month deployment in support of decisive action operations in U.S. Army Central Command area of operations in Kuwait. Berry, a field artillery firefinder radar operator is assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Nathan Thome/Released)  

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

06.16.2013

Story by Spc. Nathan Thome 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

FORT CARSON, Colo. – As smoke filled the doorway of the Special Events Center, families and friends erupted with cheers and applause as their loved ones returned from a deployment to Kuwait, during a welcome home ceremony, June 16.

Approximately 290 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers returned from a four-month deployment to Kuwait to conduct security cooperation and partnership exercises. This deployment is in accordance with the United States' longstanding bilateral defense cooperation with Kuwait. This partnership promotes security in the region.


The host for the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Michael Bills, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div., said, “welcome home, take charge of your units, steadfast and loyal.”

As the ceremony concluded with the singing of the 4th Inf. Div. March and Army Song, Soldiers and Families rushed to each other, embracing.

Ashley Cutler, wife of Spc. Brandon Cutler, motor transport operator, Battery G, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st ABCT, 4th Inf. Div., had arrived at the Special Events Center an hour and a half prior to the ceremony.

“I’m super excited about him coming home,” said Cutler. “Our plans are just relaxing, and then on leave, we’re going to a convention in Indianapolis.”

Spc. Robert Varwig, cannon crewmember, Battery A, 4th Bn, 42nd Field Artillery Reg., found his wife, Hanna, and two sons, Tristan and Carter, and embraced them mere seconds after being released from formation.

“I’m just really excited to be home,” said Robert Varwig. “There are so many thoughts and feelings going through my head right now; it’s hard to describe what’s going on right now.

Hanna Varwig echoed her husband’s excitement.

“I’m so excited, I’ve been excited for a long time waiting for this day,” said Hanna Varwig. “Once we get out of here, we’re going in town, and just spending time together.”

• Date Taken: 06.16.2013
• Date Posted: 06.18.2013 16:24
• Story ID: 108845
• Location: FORT CARSON, CO, US