About 85 Army National Guard soldiers from Northern Nevada are on home soil after a year of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait. The Calvary (CAV) and the 1864 units returned to Las Vegas last week. The CAV flew into Reno on April 1 while the 1864 flew in on April 3.
In the true spirit of being a part of the military family, the Air National Guard flew to Vegas to bring the soldiers home on both days. It is the policy of the military to return soldiers to the home base for the unit, which in this case is Las Vegas. From there, they are on their own to get the rest of the way home.
The American Red Cross was there on both days to provide hot beverages, snacks and gift bags to the children waiting for their family member's return.
It was an honor for us to participate in the homecoming and I can assure you there were many tear-filled eyes watching the plane do a fly-by (the plane tips its wings to the ground and circles the landing area) and seeing the children, wives, husbands, parents, other family members and friends embrace.
Smiles, gratitude, and love filled the air as soldiers, families and friends tried to catch up on the hugs, kisses, and children's growth that had been missed over the last year. Conversations were overheard of how they just wanted to be able to sleep in their own beds and how much they appreciated that everyone was speaking English. Comforts of home that we sometimes take for granted.
Thank you, members of the CAV and 1864, for your service. We are happy you are home safe and sound.
Have a ramblin' good week.
Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or ruhenstrothramblings@yahoo.com
