Party welcomes troops home

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess celebrated the safe return of more than 500 Dyess Airmen who were forward-deployed to more than 27 locations this year by throwing an Air Expeditionary Force Welcome Home party at the 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron hangar March 17.

The lunchtime cook-out, which offered free food and drinks, was a small way for Dyess to say “thank you” for the sacrifices of the Airmen who were deployed, said Master Sgt. David Olson, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant and the party organizer.

“It feels good to be back,” said Senior Airman Vincent Weathers, 7th Bomb Wing chaplain assistant, who was in Balad, Iraq. “I ‘did my time’ for four months and my family is happy to have me back, out of danger. It’s definitely nice to see some cool weather. It was really hot over there.”

Damp weather didn’t deter the 200-plus guests from enjoying an afternoon of entertainment with Sparky the fire dog, McGruff the crime dog, and a video slide show from the deployed Airmen.

Senior Airman Daniel Nicholas, 7th CES explosive ordnance disposal, was also deployed to Balad and said he really appreciated the base’s support.

“(The party) was really helpful,” he said. “My family really appreciated it, and it’s just a nice way to be welcomed back.”

Colonel Garrett Harencak, 7th Bomb Wing commander, spoke at the event for a few minutes.

“Today is just to say ‘thank you’ to the returnees and their families,” he said.“We all know
deployments are not a good time, but all around the world the war on terror is being fought, and Team Dyess is doing a tremendous job. It’s difficult; but we’re glad to have them back safely.

“I keep getting e-mails from commanders in the (areas of responsibility), thanking me
for the great job our guys are doing out there. Time and time again, they just keep saying how fantastic you are and how much they appreciate it.

“But we can’t forget that there are almost 500 other Dyess Airmen deployed out there, and many more are on the way.

“We owe it to you; America owes it to you, for keeping America’s enemies from taking our freedom.”