FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Soldiers from 65th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, Brigade Troops Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division reunited with their families for the first time in nine months at a redeployment ceremony on Fort Wainwright June 4.
The 40 Soldiers spent the nine-month deployment clearing more than 45,000 miles of road in southern and western Afghanistan; ensuring routes were safe for travel by U.S. and Afghan Soldiers.
“I’m excited to be home,” said Spc. Shane Johnston-Fisher, an explosive ordnance disposal technician. “I’ve been waiting nine months to hold my wife in my arms, and I’m pretty excited to go surprise my children as soon as we are done here. I know they miss me and I miss them. It’s good to be home.”
Lt. Col Michael Braun, BSB commander, thanked the Soldiers for their hard work and made a presentation of awards. The unit earned a total of 20 Bronze Stars, 23 Army Commendation Medals, three Purple Hearts and one Bronze Star with V device.
“It was successful, we came back with everyone alive," said 1st Lt. Joshua Tucker, company executive officer. “Most of all, we helped the Afghan people.”
Children stood by and watched as equipment was unloaded and things were secured in preparation for the Soldiers release to their families.
Many of the Soldiers said they were able to keep in contact with loved ones on a regular basis throughout the deployment through the Internet and video chat but they were happy to see them in person.
“It’s been rough missing out on some of the important things,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Martin.