Deployed Airmen return

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing public affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Nearly 300 Airmen deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Southwest Asia returned home to Ellsworth July 27 after supporting combat operations in the continuing Global War on Terror for six months. 

Ellsworth's wing commander, honor guard, squadron commanders, chiefs, first sergeants and the local chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders were on hand to welcome the Airmen home. 

The Airmen, still clad in their desert combat uniforms, were bused from Ellsworth's flightline to the deployment processing center, checked in and quickly reunited with their families. 

1st Lt. Robert Poe, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, said the six-month deployment was long at times, but he knows what he and his fellow Airmen did downrange is important. 

"It was a rewarding job being over there and doing what we were doing," he said. "It doesn't get any better than that." 

Ellsworth's contributions in the combat theater were significant and not lost on the base leadership. 

"I can't tell you how proud I am of our men and women for their efforts on this deployment," said Col. Scott Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "Their actions contributed to the defense of our country against enemies who would do us harm. 

"They have my personal thanks and I encourage them to take some well-deserved rest before going back to work." 

The Airmen were deployed in a variety of specialty combat roles including aircrew, munitions, logistics and services support. 

Prior to the July 27 re-deployment, two B-1s and their aircrew arrived July 22 and re-united with their families on Ellsworth's flightline.