Previous Stories

AEF 1/2 Airmen return to Spangdahlem AB

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather M. Norris
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  "It just seemed so long," said John Norrell as he waited to meet his girlfriend, Staff Sgt. Ladonna Griffin, 81st Fighter Squadron engine mechanic, who was deployed for four months. 

The wing welcomed Air Expeditionary Force 1/2 returnees from various areas of responsibility in Southwest Asia this week. Several squadrons here have operated and met mission demands despite the decrease in manning. Units here deployed 950 Airmen in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom contingencies during AEF 1/2. 

Several Airmen assigned to the 81st FS, 52nd Equipment Maintenance Squadron and 52nd Component Maintenance Squadron returned May 20, 2008, to families, friends and co-workers who came out in high spirits to greet their loved ones after the 120-day average separation. 

Lt. Col. Timothy Hogan, 81st FS commander, described the deployment and reception as "Awesome!" The colonel added, "We have trained for this and everyone in this room had a part of it." 

He described working with the Army and coalition ground forces as rewarding. "We received phone calls from our commanders thanking us for saving lives, and I couldn't be prouder." 

Airman Jullian Alcom, a weapons technician assigned to the 81st FS, described his first deployment by saying he was nervous before arriving at his deployed location and that slowly faded once he got to work -- despite the fact he works with live explosives. 

Those on hand offered suggestions to ease the separation caused by deployments. Michelle Roush, wife of Master Sgt. Gary Roush, 52nd EMS, recommended staying busy and having a support system. Surrounding oneself with friends seemed to be the common thread that provided aid to those dealing with deployments. 

From seasoned deployment veterans to Airmen new to the experience, and loved ones left back, the emotions following the return ran the gamut. All Spangdahlem AB Airmen returned home safely to continue the mission here.
Previous Story
Next Story