Eielson welcomes home warriors

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  A crowd of more than 250 Icemen, family members and guests gathered to welcome Eielson Airmen home with praise and thanks at the Joint Mobility Complex here Feb. 29.

The event honored more than 350 Airmen who returned from deployments over the past six months, including three 354th Security Forces Squadron members who received Bronze Star Medals. The Eielson force deployed a total of 36,750 days to 11 different locations around the world.

"They left behind wives, husbands, children, parents, brothers, sisters and coworkers," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Molloy, 354th SFS manager, during a speech at the event. "At this time, right here, right now, all Icemen have made the trip back home."

Chief Molloy was deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq, and shared his insights while deployed with the audience.

"We met with the local populace, turning mistrust into trust," he said. "We recovered downed, unmanned aerial vehicles, found points of origin of rocket attacks and apprehended eight terrorists with the help of the locals we were able to befriend."

He said while being deployed in an integrated-force environment, consisting of members from every branch of service and even some foreign nationals, the motivation and dedication of his Airmen gave him pride to serve.

Brig. Gen. Mark Graper, 354th Fighter Wing Commander, summed up the pride and appreciation he felt for both his returning warriors and their ever-supportive families.

"We should be thankful to serve in a nation and an era when we can come back from war and be welcomed with open arms and a sincere thank you," General Graper said.

General Graper also praised the Iceman Team members who supported the fight at Eielson while their brothers and sisters in arms were deployed, stressing that each Air Force member, civilian and family member are vital to success in the Global War on Terror.

Following the ceremony, Airmen and families were treated to free hamburgers, hot dogs and entertainment tailored to the entire family. The 354th Force Support Squadron provided the food, activities and games for children and adults while a local rock ensemble performed for the enjoyment of all within earshot.

"We are serving at a time of war," Chief Molloy said. "We are veterans of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Every Airman in this room is a veteran of this war whether deployed at home or abroad. We all share this common bond, to serve in a period that will be remembered in our nation's history."

Editor's Note: Tech. Sgt. William Farrow contributed to this story.