Airmen reunite with friends, loved ones

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alessandra N. Hurley
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Approximately 160 Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing were reunited with friends and loved ones after a 189-day deployment to Southwest Asia, July 28.

The returning Airmen came home from an Air Expeditionary Force rotation in Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

During their deployment the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, one of several squadrons within the 28 BW to deploy, contributed to the mission by providing aid to ground troops and support to soldiers and Marines from different nations, including Great Britain and Italy.

"The best part of the deployment was making the mission happen," said Airman 1st Class Garrett Lisi, 28 AMXS electrician. "We gave people the ground support they needed to get the job done in the air."

This was the first deployment for Airman Lisi, who said he had only been on station three months before he was tasked to deploy.

"I was excited to deploy," he said. "It was a good experience working together with servicemembers from around the world, knowing that I was part of a team dedicated to fulfilling a shared mission. Now I'm excited to be back."

Among the crowd of supporters was Carina Escaname who came to welcome home her husband, Senior Airman David Williams, 28 AMXS weapons load crewmember.

"We kept in touch online and with a phone call each day," said Mrs. Escaname. "'Talking every day definitely makes it easier when you're apart from someone you love."

South Dakota Army National Guard Spc. Jarid Jeske, 109th Regional Support Group human resource systems specialist also awaited his wife, Senior Airman Kathryn Tesch 28 AMXS aircraft armament systems load crew team member, who he greeted with a bouquet of red roses and plans for a specially requested lunch date to help celebrate.

"She wants Chinese food," said Specialist Jeske. "We're going to go to a Chinese restaurant for lunch tomorrow."

Airmen from 28 AMXS including Airmen Lisi, Tesch and Williams were deployed with Airmen from the 34th Bomb Squadron, 28th Operations Support Squadron, 28th Maintenance Squadron, 28th Munitions Squadron, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 28th Medical Operations Squadron.

"The Air Force recruits Airmen and retains families," said Col. Steven Hiss, 28 BW Vice Commander, who waited to welcome Airmen home from deployment at the morning and evening events. "When civilians make the decision to serve their country in the Air Force, they become members of the Air Force family and it's good to have everyone back after a job well done."