FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – More than 90 soldiers with the 55th Mobility Augmentation Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, were greeted by family members, friends, and comrades who filled the gymnasium at the welcome home ceremony held at Davidson Fitness Center, Feb. 5.
The 55th MAC returned from Afghanistan after their 12-month deployment where the company conducted route clearance operations.
Even the Super Bowl could not stop emotional response for the returning troops. Screams, claps and whistles echoed throughout Davidson Fitness Center from those gathered as soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters section, first, second, and third platoons, marched into formation, where they waited for the ceremony to begin.
Also in attendance and making up the official party were Brig. Gen. Peter DeLuca, commandant, Engineer Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy, command sergeant major, Engineer Regiment. DeLuca spoke to the formation, emphasizing that with the soldier’s return from deployment, there was a “new normal” they would come to know.
“You will not find your normal for a little while but you will find it,” said DeLuca.
DeLuca’s comments were followed by the 5th En. Bn. commander.
Lt. Col. Chris McGowan, commander, 5th En. Bn., 4th MEB, took a few moments to praise and thank the returning soldiers in his battalion. McGowan mentioned how the Super Bowl coverage was underway.
“A little birdie told me there was another significant event going on today but what is taking place in this gym is the most important thing of all,” said McGowan.
Prior to being released from formation, DeLuca spoke directly to the soldiers standing before him.
“On behalf of CSM Murphy, on behalf of Fort Leonard Wood leadership, we are proud of what you’ve done, we are proud of what you did, and we are proud of who you are,” said DeLuca.
Upon their release, soldiers and family members, battle buddies and comrades, sought each other out in the crowd, hugging and holding on.
