Ellsworth Airmen Return

Staff Sgt. Christopher Byrnes shares a long-awaited kiss with his girlfriend, Racheal Maki, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., upon his return from deployment July 27, 2011. The homecoming celebration saw several hundred friends and family members present to welcome home their loved ones. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Alystria Mauer/Released)

Ellsworth Airmen Return

37th Bomb Squadron Airmen step off an airliner after returning from a six month deployment to Southwest Asia, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 27, 2011. The men and women of the 37th BS were met by a crowd of loved ones eagerly awaiting their arrival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Alystria Maurer/Released)

Ellsworth Airmen Return

Maj. Frank Welton, 37th Bomb Squadron assistant director of operations, holds his children for the first time in six months at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 27, 2011. The 37th BS deployed to Southwest Asia to provide air power to combatant commanders in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Alystria Maurer/Released)

Ellsworth Airmen return home to families

Published Aug. 3, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Approximately 300 Ellsworth Airmen returned home to their families after a deployment to Southwest Asia in support of missions in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 27, 2011.

For some Airmen, this was their fourth or fifth deployment. For others, such as Airman 1st Class Kyle Risse, 28th Munitions Squadron munitions systems journeyman, it was their first.

"I didn't expect anything going in because I haven't been deployed, so I just put in the work," Risse said. "Now that I'm home, I can't wait for five-day work weeks. We were down there working 12-hour days, six-days-a-week."

The long hours, operations tempo and intense heat of the desert are only part of the stresses Airmen endure downrange. Being away from loved ones as life moves along is another common stressor shared by both the deployed Airmen and their families.

Risse has only been married for 14 months. Because of his technical school and this deployment, he's only seen his wife, Renee for seven months of their marriage.

In addition to all of the challenges of being alone and adjusting to the military lifestyle, she also handled getting moved into a new house. She's also been heavily involved with squadron activities as a Key Spouse.

The time we were apart went by really fast because I stayed incredibly busy," she said. "This deployment has really taught us how to trust one another and made our relationship stronger."

The Risse family is only one of more than 300 stories of sacrifice hidden behind the hugs and smiles witnessed at the welcome home reception in the Pride Hangar.
"The challenges of deployment and the stresses they place upon our families may never be fully realized," said Col. Steven Hiss, 28th Bomb Wing vice commander. "But, I hope they all know how much we truly appreciate their sacrifice ... and I hope they understand their contributions downrange are making a real difference in the lives of millions while helping to secure our country from terrorism."