17th Corps Support Battalion Soldiers Return from Iraq (Have Hanky)

Defend America News ^ | Sep 6, 2005 | Army Pfc. Kyndal Brewer

[SandRat]

17th Corps Support Battalion Soldiers Return from Iraq

While deployed, the troops drove more than 1.15 million miles and delivered
more than 2.26 million gallons of fuel and more than eight million gallons of water

By U.S. Army Pfc. Kyndal Brewer

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii, Sept. 6, 2005 -- The 17th Corps Support Battalion is home at Schofield Barracks from Operation Iraqi Freedom.

And soldiers received enthusiastic welcome-home greetings from families and friends as they entered the Martinez Gymnasium Aug. 26.

Signs reading, "Welcome home troops!" and "We missed you daddy!" were held high by children, friends and family members awaiting the arrival of their loved ones.

"I've got to tell you that you should be very, very proud of what you have done for the global war on terrorism."

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon

"It feels like Christmas time," said Tracy Fountain, wife of U.S. Army Capt. Chris Fountain, assigned to the 17th Corps Support Battalion, in reaction to her reunion with her husband.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) and U.S. Army, Hawaii, addressed the battalion's deployment accomplishments.

"I have viewed your accomplishments while you have been deployed," said Mixon. "I've got to tell you that you should be very, very proud of what you have done for the global war on terrorism."

During their deployment, the troops drove more than 1.15 million miles and delivered more than 2.26 million gallons of fuel and more than eight million gallons of water.

Children await their father's return from Iraq at the 17th Corps Support Battalion's welcome home ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Aug. 26, 2005. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Juan Jimenez

The soldiers deployed to Iraq to provide logistics support during combat operations and to assist the Iraqi people during the historic elections for a new democratic government. The troops completed more than 3,000 jobs during their yearlong deployment.

"These are just a few of the statistics of this great unit, and what they have accomplished," said Mixon.

Following almost two full days of travel time, soldiers were finally able to reunite with their families and friends who supported them during the past year.

"The feeling is indescribable," said Capt. Fountain when asked how it felt to finally be home to see his family.

"We want all of our soldiers who have redeployed to be safe," said Mixon. "We are so very proud of you, and we are very glad to have you back home."

[SandRat]

WOO-HOO!!!!

[SandRat]

WOO-HOO!!!!

[mdittmar]

Welcome home Army,thank you.

[BIGLOOK]

Welcome home and Aloha! We need you here.

[E.G.C.]

BTT!!!!!!