(From WEEK News 25) - Welcome Home! That's what almost two dozen families were saying Monday night as the greeted their Airmen from the 182nd National Airlift Wing out of Peoria.
The soldiers are returning home after a 2 1/2 month deployment in Afghanistan. .
It's only been a couple of months, but it's seems much longer for families waiting at home.
For some seasoned Vets they stopped keeping track of the number of deployments.
"Combat missions primarily Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia. I've actually lost track, but it's over a dozen I think," says Sr. MSG Cy Snider.
Snider celebrated his 28th year in the military during this deployment.
Jason Riggs has been in the military 4 years and this was his first deployment.
"I had some anxiety, not knowing what to expect," says Riggs, "The hardest part was leaving the family behind. Once we got over there doing the job it was a lot of fun, I enjoy the flying."
This deployment had the men and women of the 182nd transporting cargo, men, and equipment with their C-130.
"Nobody prays for peace more than a warrior," says Snider.
Now that they're home, these career airmen can't help but wonder if this deployment is their last, or if Iran is next.
"Of course I'm concerned, we're all concerned. We've done a lot of combat over the last decade. There's no doubt our training will carry us through any conflict we are presented with," adds Snider.
But for now they are content with being home for awhile.
"It was only two months," says Riggs, "I know we've got brothers in arms that are there for 12 and 18 months so I know my sacrifice was small compared to theirs. But it was enough for me right now. I'm excited to be home and spend some time with family."
Approximately 70 other Airmen that deployed with this group in November are still deployed and are scheduled to return in the spring.
