Deployed Ellsworth Airmen return home

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Thum
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Hundreds of family members and fellow Airmen braved sub-freezing temperatures to greet their returning Airmen on the Ellsworth flightline, Jan. 27 and 30.

Approximately 400 Ellsworth Airmen returned home from a 6-month deployment to Southwest Asia where they provided air support to combatant commanders and performed various other non-aviation support functions.

Among those greeted by signs, hugs and ecstatic cheers, was Senior Master Sgt. David York, 28th Munitions Squadron materiel flight chief. Surrounded by his wife and two children, York explained his deployment seemed long, but was well worth it.

"We did a lot of good things over there," York said. "We worked 12-hour days, six days a week, building specific munitions to support specific missions for other military members."

While some Airmen returning home had no doubt become accustomed to the way of life during a deployment, others were new to the experience.

"It was exciting," said Airman 1st Class Yuri McMurray, 28th AMXS armament systems technician, and first-time deployer. "It reminded me of basic training, but we made the best of it."

The amount and type of contact families have with their deployed Airmen has changed drastically over the years, but one thing that has stayed the same is the relief they feel when they are finally reunited.

York admitted he shed more than a few tears after shaking hands with the wing commander, command chief and other Ellsworth leaders, while walking past the police car and fire truck lights and sirens, before finally making his way into his family's embrace.

"It's a long time to be away from your friends and family," York said.

Although McMurray has only spent one-and-one-half years in the Air Force, he already understands one of the most important keys to success in the service.

"The biggest thing is camaraderie," McMurray explained. "We're all family. It was the best experience getting off the plane and seeing that people care."