Dyess Airmen return home

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kia Atkins
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Airmen from the 317th Airlift Group and 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron returned from their deployment here March 18.

More than 170 Airmen deployed for six months in support of combat operations in Southeast Asia in September 2013.

Family, friends and fellow servicemembers waited for each C-130J to touch down so they could celebrate the return of their deployed Airmen.

"My husband and I have been married for two years and this is the second deployment we've been through together," said Brittany Lucas, wife of Staff Sgt. Weston Lucas, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "I can't wait to see him; it's really hard being away from your best friend every day."

During the six-month deployment, the Airmen operated across Afghanistan where they supported theater commanders' requirements with combat-delivery capability through tactical air-land and air-drop operations as well as humanitarian efforts and aeromedical evacuation.

After being gone for six months, the Airmen were glad to return back home to their families.

"It's been a long time and I'm really glad to be back home with my family. My wife and kids have been really missing me, and I've been missing them too," said Lt. Col. Daryl Smith, 39th Airlift Squadron.