FORT STORY, Va. –
Family, friends and fellow Soldiers anxiously waited to reconnect with Soldiers from the 119th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade as they marched into the Forst Story gym, Sept. 6, after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.
As Cpl. Mandy Burnett sang the National Anthem, the atmosphere swelled with pride and fulfillment. Capt. Richard Bragg, 119th ICTC Rear Detachment Commander shared his thoughts to ease the emotions of the crowd.
"Through their sacrifices, every day we all sleep a little sounder and breathe a little easier," said Bragg. "The Soldiers were not the only ones that made sacrifices. Their families [...] also sacrificed. Now the only thing standing between these families and their brave Soldiers is how quickly I finish this speech."
Right after the Soldiers were "dismissed" from formation, they shared plenty of hugs, kisses, jokes and stories from overseas.
SPC Jessie Castillo, assigned to the 368th Seaport Operation Company, 11th Trans. Bn., who also volunteered to deploy with ICTC, was excited to see some of his battle buddies among the crowd.
"I'm really happy to be back," said Castillo.
Minutes later our heroes left the premises. Their faces were weary after a long journey home from overseas. There's still plenty of catching up to do but, nevertheless, it's time to relax and appreciate a safe return home.