21st SVS Airmen return home to warm welcome

  • Published
  • By Margie Arnold
  • 21st Services Squadron
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Sixteen Airmen assigned to the 21st Services Squadron, and two assigned to the 21st Communications Squadron, returned home May 7 after spending four and six-month deployments in Southwest Asia supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

Leadership from both squadrons and the 21st Space Wing were on hand for the Airmen's return. Master Sgt. Philip York, 21st Services Squadron first sergeant, said the deployed Airmen "were doing what they do everyday -- taking care of the troops."

"These Airmen took care of military members' basic needs - lodging, dining and fitness," the first sergeant said. "A good number of these services (squadron) folks who returned worked in the fitness center over there."

Also waiting eagerly were Carrie Justice and her 2-year-old daughter Callie. Tech. Sgt. Scott Justice, husband and father, was due home after being gone for four months.

"It's been a long four months," said Mrs. Justice, looking on at her daughter. "Scott left on New Year's Day. When he was deployed and returned last time, Callie was just seven-months-old and she didn't want anything to do with her dad when he first returned. This time she's been pretty excited about his coming home and we made a welcome home sign for him."

When Sergeant Justice finally appeared from the airport's terminal, Callie raced into his arms shouting, "Daddy, Daddy!"

Also waiting for the Airmen to return was a contingent of friends and co-workers from both squadrons.

Staff Sgt. Ergun Uluc and Senior Airman Juan Ayala, each assigned to 21st CS, were surprised to see the group welcoming them home.

"It was getting pretty hot over there already; I'm glad to be out of that heat and humidity," said Sergeant Uluc.

"It's real good to have these folks home. Real good," said a smiling Col. Manuel Hidalgo, 21st Mission Support Group commander.

 

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