FORT BRAGG, NC. In the wee small hours of the morning, Punishers from the 249th Composite Supply Company, 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion return after completing a nine-month deployment in areas of Iraq, Kuwait and Syria.
Paratroopers, families and friends of the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade helped welcome home 114 Punishers. The celebration began Saturday, August 4, close to midnight, as family members arrived at Green Ramp with children dressed in pajamas anticipating the moment they will kiss and hug their Paratrooper. Welcome Home signs covered the benches and bright colored balloons filled the air competing with the scent of fresh cut flowers.
Sgt. 1st Class Hendria Bailey, the rear detachment 1st Sergeant, has been deployed before as an Automated Logistics Specialist and was at Green Ramp celebrating with everyone else. “Being a mother of three children; I know how it feels when you get off that plane, hand over your weapon, then get released back to your family and see your little ones running up to you, “ Bailey, from Fayetteville, NC said. “I am very blessed to stand next to their families after the long nine months and watch everyone come home safe.”
This is the Punisher’s first deployment after five years. For many, this was their first of many deployments. The 249th Composite Supply Company paved the way for other upcoming deployments in supporting operations in Iraq, Kuwait and Syria. The 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Eddie Gray, stated some ground rules before the hangar doors started to rise. The plane carrying the deployed Punishers was on a one-hour delay, however; that did not stop the 82nd Airborne Division’s Jazz band from kicking the night off with their danceable tunes.
A little after 1A.M. the plane finally touched down on the runway. The Punishers quickly exited the aircraft and then was sent to a room for a final customs inspection. There is a seven-hour time difference from family members stationed at Fort Bragg, and those deployed Punishers in Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria. “After the Punishers are released to their families, the rear detachment will let them adjust to their new time zone and sleep cycle,” Bailey said, “The rear detachment will work with the redeployed Punishers in understanding that they are now in Garrison and not overseas.”
Suddenly, a formation of 114 Punishers marched inside Green Ramp and the families’ cheers drowned out the band as children began to search for their Moms and Dads. The redeployed Paratroopers of the 249th Composite Supply Company were quickly dismissed. Signs waving and many names were called out to get the attention of their Paratrooper. Groups of Punishers gathered together to welcome each other home as the Family Readiness Group, Red Cross Volunteers and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association accepted them as their own. “Welcome home, Punishers,” said Bailey, “We are so excited that you have returned.”