FORT EUSTIS, Va –
Soldiers from the 359th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, were welcomed home after a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan by friends, family and co-workers during a ceremony inside Mcclellan Fitness Center at Fort Eustis, Va., Sept. 9.
The gymnasium, packed with a crowd that would rival any sporting event, stood to their feet and roared as members of the 359th ICTC made their entrance. Among the crowd was U.S. Army Lt. Col. Megan Gumpf, 10th Trans. Bat. commander.
"Nine months ago, we gathered right here to bid our Soldiers and loved ones farewell," Gumpf said in a speech to the Soldiers and their families. "Now we proudly welcome our heroes home."
During their deployment, the 359th ICTC was responsible for conducting duties as a convoy escort team. The Soldiers also provided support ensuring the safe transport of personnel and equipment across their area of responsibility.
Although they completed their mission successfully, the 359th ICTC lost some of their own while serving in Afghanistan.
"This deployment has not been without sacrifice," Gumpf said. "Three of our heroes paid the ultimate price for our freedom."
The Soldiers lost in the line of duty were Staff Sgt. Justin R. Johnson, Staff Sgt. Eric T. Lawson, and Sgt. Caryn E. Nouv.
Johnson was killed in Afghanistan, June 18 while at the entry control point of Bagram Air Base when he was struck by indirect fire. Lawson and Nouv were killed July 27 in Ghanzi Province, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.
"This evening, we honor their memory, as we reunite our Soldiers with their family members," said Gumpf.
While deployed, the 359th ICTC collectively conducted 62 missions across 480,000 miles, earned 17 Purple Hearts, 55 combat action badges and two battlefield promotions.
"Each and every Soldier has served our nation in the most honorable manner that any U.S. citizen could ask for," she said. "We are truly proud of this unit."