March - April 2004 Guard Times Magazine

Page 1

NYNM New Patrol Boats, Page 9

Third NY Soldier lost, Page 4

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #3071 Syracuse, NY

Volume 13, Number 2

March-April 2004

Army Guard units return from Iraq By Lt. Col. Paul Fanning Guard Times Staff

NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION The hopes and prayers of thousands of Guard family members and friends from across the state came true in April as five mobilized New York Army National Guard units returned home after nearly a year of duty in Iraq. From New York City and Rockland County, through the Capital District and Rochester and on to Buffalo – troops were flown and bussed home from Fort Dix, NJ to rousing ceremonies at local armories and at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The returned units included the 105th and 442nd Military Police Companies, the 719th Transportation Company, the 27th Support Center, Rear Area Operations and the 10th Transportation Detachment. Red, white and blue streamers, yellow ribbons, posters and banners and cheering wives, husbands, children, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, civilian co-workers, neighbors and friends turned out in droves to welcome their heroes home from the stress, strain and ordeals of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The homecoming for more than 130 members of the 105th Military Police Company from Western, NY was bittersweet at the Niagara Falls Air Station on Saturday April 24. The New York Air National Guard’s 107th Air Refueling Wing flew the troops back from Fort Dix, to the base, where the 107th was hosting nearly 2,000 people who had gathered to celebrate the troops return. In a highly memorable and emotional moment, Kelly McMillin, the courageous wife of the late Sgt. Heath McMillin was the first to greet her late husband’s comrades on the flight line before the crowd. As the troops descended the stairs from the 107th’s KC-135 tankers, they waved to their waiting families. Each soldier then presented a carnation to Kelly and gratefully gave and received a deeply felt hug. (See the photo)

Long Awaited Homecomings, Page 16-17


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