Deployed Airmen return home

  • Published
  • By Corey Dahl
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AFB, Colo. --  Applause and cheers filled the lobby of the Colorado Springs Airport Sept. 14, as several members of the 21st Space Wing's Security Forces Squadron returned home from Iraq.

After six months away - seven for a few who had to undergo training - a dozen Airmen from the squadron were greeted by waiting moms, dads, wives and children, a few holding homemade signs.

"I'm ecstatic to say the least," said Rob Nelson, who wiped away tears while he hugged his son, Airman Brenden Nelson. "This past week, I've just been anxious. It's great to have him home."

The Airmen are just a few of the more than 200 members of Team Pete who have deployed this year, mostly in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Called up last spring, they were stationed at Ali Base in Tallil, Iraq, where they were responsible for keeping their base safe from insurgent attacks.

The job can be tough, said Senior Airman Christopher Blevins, who has deployed two times before, but it's ultimately worth it, he said.

"I'm really looking forward to eating American food, sleeping," he said. "But I'm proud of what we did. I know that every job we have over there is serving a purpose."

While the Airmen served an important role abroad, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Zirkle, manager, 21st SFS, said he was glad to have the troops home protecting Peterson again.

"We're excited to have these guys back," he said. "We're very proud of them serving their wing, the base, the mission, and they're going to continue doing that on Peterson." 

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