Units begin returning home from war

It was almost as if the roar of the cheers was attempting to drown out the noise of the engines as the World Air DC-10 touched down at Mountain Home Air Force Base late Sunday afternoon. Hundreds of people had gathered to welcome home the 391st Bold Tigers.

For the men and women disembarking the aircraft, it was the first time they had set foot on their home base since being deployed last October as part of the United States' Operation Enduring Freedom.

Wing commander Col. Irv Halter greeted the Gunfighters at the bottom of the steps, noting that even though the skies were grey, and there was a cold drizzle, "there is plenty of sunshine in our hearts."

For the families and friends gathered behind the security barriers, the long wait was finally over.

They had been filling the waiting area since mid-afternoon in anticipation of finally seeing their loved ones once more. They were the spouses, children, the nieces and nephews, the sisters and brothers, fiances and friends who had stayed behind but had served their country in their own ways, remaining vigilant and supportive. They carried signs, flowers and flags, all symbols to show their love and express their thanks.

For many of the young airmen and women, it had been the first time they had been deployed. While for others it was just the latest in a series of temporary duty assignments.

It was difficult to determine whether the past three months had been harder for those who had gone to war or those who had remained behind to fight their own 'wars.'

It had been a long trip home -- nearly 20 hours and across several time zones and they were clearly worn out from the journey. But the excitement of the homecoming seemed to infuse them with a second wind. Although several buses stood by to carry them from the aircraft to the waiting area, the Gunfighters opted to walk across the ramp and into open waiting arms.

"I can't even begin to tell you how I feel," said Suki Unruh, as she nestled in the arms of her husband Clint. "It is just so good to have him home!"

Three months is a long time in the life of an infant and the changes were extremely noticeable to returning parents. "Look at her! Seems like she was barely moving on her own when I left and now it looks like she is trying to walk!" noted one proud father as his daughter squealed and bounced with delight in all the excitement.

In some families with more than one child, the competition was fierce as the children struggled to capture the attention. Each had to have something to hold onto as if to reassure themselves that Dad was really here and not going to leave again soon.

The scene is expected to be repeated again in the near future as the men and women of the Thunderbolts' 389th Fighter Squadron are due back. Gunfighters will continue to return throughout the winter months and into early spring.