Photo By Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Barone | Sr. Airman Eugene Cummings of the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing,...... read more read more
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BELLE CHASSE, La. – Deployments often lead to changes and for several members of Louisiana Air National Guard’s, 159th Security Forces Squadron (159 SFS), 159th Fighter Wing, a deployment to Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, left them with new experiences, stronger bonds and new additions to their families.
Approximately 40 Airmen of the 159 SFS returned home Aug. 6, to cheers, homemade banners, hugs and tears of joy. Friends, family, Guardsmen, volunteers and bystanders joined in the celebration and helped welcome home these heroes at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans.
“I am very proud to be associated with such outstanding Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. Brod Veillon, assistant adjutant general, Air, who was part of the greeting party at the airport.
In support of overseas contingency operations, the 159 SFS was part of the total force security package assigned to the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing. Their mission was to secure the interior and exterior perimeters of Manas Air Base, in addition to working at the armory and the vehicle search area at the main gate of the base.
Senior Airman Santiago L. Mabens, of New Orleans, had been a Guardsman for less than a year when he volunteered for this deployment. While in country he helped bring school supplies, food, clothes and toys to the children of the Tok Mok I and II orphanage.
“I really enjoyed playing with the kids,” said Mabens of his humanitarian experiences. He advises other Airmen to deploy with an open mind. “Life is short.”
“I’m proud to welcome these Airmen that volunteered to protect our country home,” said Col. Roy V. Qualls, 159th Fighter Wing commander.
“I also love to watch the emotions during the family reunions,” said Qualls.
The emotions were heartwarming as two Security Forces members had the opportunity to hold their newborns for the first time.
Senior Airman Eugene J. Cummings, of New Orleans, was able to hold his three week old son Euwine for the first time. He and his wife Tyra have two daughters, Tammara, 7 and Gabriel, 2. The elated family had smiles from ear to ear during the reunion.
Senior Airman Steven M. Eagles, of Belle Chasse, La., was able to see the taped birth of his daughter via e-mail within an hour of her being born. He and his wife Alexandra were able to see each other that same evening through Skype webcam. The couple also has a son, Jude, 21 months.
“The most important thing is for us to let them know that we care about them and that we are here to support them, said Cherie Spooner, 159th Fighter Wing family program coordinator.
The Women Veterans of Louisiana organization was also there to greet the returnees. These volunteers provide assistance to female service members and have the only all female Honor Guard in the country. They sent the deployed SFS females care packages with much needed, female specific supplies every other month.
“I think it’s very important, from a morale perspective, for these service members to see us here supporting them,” said Al Hamilton, emergency services director with the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter.
Hamilton brought snacks, drinks and educational pamphlets for family members. The Red Cross is the only agency mandated by Congress to provide Service to the Armed Forces, a program designed to provide confidential communication to service members anywhere in the world.
Manas Air Base serves as a major transport hub for personnel and equipment en route to Afghanistan. While deployed, the SFS members dealt with civil unrest and political instability in the Central Asian region.
“I’m glad he went and did his job but I am so glad that he is home,” said Pat Durel, of Abita Springs, La., mother-in-law of Master Sgt. Timothy L. Mitchell, troop commander for the deployment.
Mitchell’s wife Robin had a 2010 Toyota Tacoma waiting for him in the airport parking lot wrapped in a huge ribbon and homemade signs.
“I can’t believe it!” said Mitchell when he was surprised with his new truck.
Tech. Sgt. Reece Jenkins’ wife Renee helped collect donations for a local elementary school that the SFS adopted. She sent out a message on Facebook asking for donations of much needed school supplies and coordinated the shipments of several packages.
“I’m very proud of my wife and how she helped us,” said Jenkins, of Denham Springs, La.
Also attending the welcome home were members of the group, Soldier’s Angels. They support deployed military members year-round by attending both departure ceremonies and homecomings.
Member Cherry Blackwell understands the need for emotional support after coming home from a long deployment. Her daughter was a Marine in the Combat Camera Unit.
“I can’t wait!” said Blackwell referencing the return of the SFS members.
The last flight of the night with returning Airmen arrived after 9 p.m., but the enthusiasm welcoming the last 159 SFS member never wavered.
“We’re proud of him,” said Ovide Miller Sr., of New Orleans, as he awaited the return of his son, Staff Sgt. Ovide L. Miller Jr. “I missed him a lot, especially not having him around for our annual hunting and fishing trips, but I think it’s great that he went.”
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2010 09:44 |
| Story ID: | 54151 |
| Location: | BELLE CHASSE, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 264 |
| Downloads: | 49 |
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