Over 300 Airmen return in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Staff Sgt. Kory Cardona, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, greets his daughter with a kiss on the cheek here July 29 after returning from a six month deployment to Southwest Asia. More than 300 Airmen from the 9th Bomb Squadron, 7th Operations Support Squadron, 7th Maintenance Group and 7th Medical Group were deployed supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chelsea L. Browning)

7th Bomb Wing returns from successful deployment

Published July 31, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Robert Hicks
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Approximately 300 Airmen returned from Southwest Asia July 29 and about a 100 more returned July 30, after being deployed for six months in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Families and friends patiently waited holding signs and banners while others waived and screamed as Airmen departed the aircrafts.

"My husband has been in the military for 26 years, I'm very excited to see him come home and even happier it's his last deployment," said Sabrina Sabo as tears rolled down her cheek at the welcome home event July 29.

Several children jumped with joy and cried as their parent greeted them with open arms.

"It's been very hard not having my father around," said 10-year-old Wesley Donhauser. "But, I'm proud of him for playing an important role in the war."

Airmen were excited to be back on Dyess AFB and ready to make the transition back to their normal lives.

"I'm very excited to be back at Dyess with the people I love most -- my family and friends," said Staff Sgt. Kory Cardona, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, after being greeted by his wife and two daughters.

The bulk of the deployment was in support of B-1 Bomber operations, with members coming from the 9th Bomb Squadron, 7th Operations Support Squadron, 7th Maintenance Group and the 7th Medical Group.

The 9th BS dropped more than 400 bombs, destroyed more than 300 targets, supported more than 500 missions, and maintained a 98.7 percent mission capability rate.

"Our Airmen performed exceptionally well on their deployment," said Col. Charles Catoe, 7th Operations Group commander. "While the mission is not done, we can never forget our Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines still serving overseas. These heroes get to reunite with their loved ones and take a little well-deserved time off. Both Abilene and Team Dyess are happy to have them home, and we are very proud of their contribution to our nation's defense."