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DEL.ICIO.USFamilies say welcome home to 100 troops
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
FORT STEWART — After nearly a year in Iraq, about 100 citizen-soldiers from the 48th Infantry Brigade of the Georgia National Guard returned home before dawn Monday to cheers and tears from their families.
The returning troops, from units across Georgia, make up the advance party for about 4,300 members of the 48th Brigade due home between mid-April and mid-May. It was the first homecoming for the brigade, and a sign of many more to follow soon.
“It feels good to be back,” said Sgt. 1st Class Don Whitmire, 48, of Bainbridge. “I hate leaving my guys back there and they’re still running combat missions, so they’re working it hard. But they’ll be joining us soon.”
More than 60 family members waved flags and signs and cheered the troops when they walked onto the Fort Stewart parade grounds at 5:50 a.m. After a brief ceremony, the soldiers’ wives, children and parents rushed the field for their reunions.
Many had stayed up all night without sleep.
“We did lay down for two hours, but we’re very excited,” said Sandi Kicklighter of Glennville, who came to meet her husband, Staff Sgt. Mark Kicklighter. “It seems like it’s been longer than a year.”
Sgt. Emory Morris didn’t have to look too hard for his wife, Julie, and children Ashley, 23, and Chuck, 21. He could hear them calling him.
“Emory Morris, where are you at?” Julie Morris shouted through the crowd.
“Right here!” he called back, from about 20 feet away, raising his arms and waving.
Morris, a 56-year-old truck driver from Thomaston, wrapped his family one at a time in a big bear hug, tears streaming down all their faces.
“It’s great. It’s just great,” he said.
His wife agreed: “He looks like he did well over there. It’s great to see him again. He looks like he’s ready to be home.”
The soldiers were greeted by cool, breezy weather just before sunrise, something they’re not used to. Even walking on the grassy field felt different.
“What’s strange is that right now, at this very moment, we’re walking on grass,” said 1st Lt. John Avera, 36, a software designer from Jacksonville, Fla. “One thing we’d say to each other over there is we’re tired of walking on rocks and sand.”
The 48th Brigade deployed to the Middle East in May 2005 after several months of training at Fort Stewart. It is the largest combat unit of the Georgia National Guard to deploy overseas since World War II.
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By Sharyn
March 20, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us! God Bless you and God Bless America!
By Jen
March 20, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
Thank you!
By j.t.
March 20, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
Thank you all for being so heroic in your resolve and your efforts. Your patriotism is a beacon of light to us all.
Support or despise the war, our troops volunteer galantly and bravely to fight for our country and the freedom of its people.
May God bless each and every one of you!
By Frank Hilton
March 20, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this
Welcome home, Warriors! You made us proud and thanks to you for keeping us safe!
By Heidi
March 20, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this
Welcome Home! Thank you so much for everything you do! You are appreciated!!
By Tasha
March 20, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
I want to welcome you all back home. Continue to be brave, god bless you all!!!
By Wendy
March 20, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
Welcome Home!
Thank you for all that you all have done by keeping us here at home safe. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
Thank you and God bless you!
By Amy Brown
March 20, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
You guys are AMAZING. Thank you for everything you endured and accomplished. Thank you to the brave families—enjoy your time together.
By Megan
March 20, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
WELCOME HOME AMERICAN SOLDIERS!! I am SO proud of every one of you!
By Elaine
March 20, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
Welcome Home!!! We are so proud of each and every one of you-Thank you for all you have done for us.
Elaine
By Paul
March 20, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this
Welcome Home 48th! Job well done. Thank you for serving. Continue to pray that all of your buddies will be home soon. May God Bless You and God Bless America.
By ashley
March 20, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this
WELCOME HOME!!!!!!
By Debbie Hining
March 20, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
Welcome home! Thank you for all you have done for us. God bless you!
By Jan Houston
March 20, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you all!!! God Bless you all and God Bless America!!!!!
By soldiers wife
March 20, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
Welcome Home!! Let us not forget that this is the advance party not the whole brigade! We have another 2 months for all our soldiers to get home!!!
By rene
March 20, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
lets be thankful for these soldiers that are home…and be THANKFUL that your soldier will be home soon…HOOAH….
By Garry Couch
March 20, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
Thank you all for your sacifice for our freedom and that of Iraq. Most don’t understand the idea of Duty, Honor, and Country. Not only do you understand it, you live it every day. God Bless you and your families.
By Melissa Young
March 20, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
Welcome Home 48th. We are so proud of the job you have all done. We are looking forward to the next wave of 48th soldiers coming home with much anticipation. God Bless you all.
By Opinion
March 20, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this
WELCOME HOME!!!!!!!! And thank you for a job well done. Let’s all say prayers for those who are still there and their safe return.
After all the whining it seems the troops will be home according to the timetable. I hope others won’t start the crap again about their soldier is not one of the first home. I bet their soldier wasn’t one of the first to leave.
My soldier is in a rear battalion and he is due home a few days before his year anniversary of leaving. That’s military life. If the Guard had crossed the ocean on a troop ship (like WWI an WWII) they may have all gone together and spent those days returning together. However. flight is better and if they come home in incriments as they left sobeit.
These troops did us proud and the ones who are still preparing to return are still doing us proud. We love our warriors.
God keep the troops who are still there safe and bring the home on time and safely. Amen
By Scott
March 20, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
Thank you all and God Bless each of you!
By supporting everyone
March 20, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say Thank you to each and everyone of you all.. A year ago when you all left for Iraq, there were many tears in our eyes and to this day, there are still many tears in our eyes.. There are no words to express what we all feel. Several of the men that I know, won’t be making it home, for they are already home with their Father in Heaven— BUT We will always remember them just as much as we will always remember the Braveness that you all have done for Us..
WE miss alot of our friends with the Scout Unit-HHC108th- and have thought of you all daily. Not much longer now Guys…Waving our flags and with tears in our eyes, we will be waiting for you all..
To everyone—weather you are a family member or a friend or just a stranger that has supported these men and women—WAVE YOUR FLAGS-SHOW YOUR SIGNS-AND EVEN CRY—FOR THE 48th ARE COMING HOME…..
By Proud Soliders Wife
March 20, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
soldierswife - Like duh, the article clearly states it is the Advance party and that 4300 more troops remain in Iraq. Don’t worry your soldier will not be forgotten, let these family’s have what’s due and wait your turn. Will everyone please grow up and act like adults? I am tired of the whining and the “Oh pitiful me.”
Welcome Home Advance Party!!!!!! Thank you AJC for chronicling this event.
By Sean Cummings
March 20, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
From a Desert Storm vet. Welcome home, job well done. God bless you and your families for the sacrifices you have made to serve our country and fight for freedom. No Mission Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Too Great - Duty First HOOOOAAAAAHHHHH!
By Proud 48th BDE Wife
March 20, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this
I’d like to say WELCOME HOME to the first of our brave soldiers that have arrived. The BDE has done us all proud, and I’m glad that our guys and girls are heading home.
HOOAH!
By "Momma Kat" Orr
March 20, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this
WOOOHOOO!!!!!!! IT MADE ME SOOOOO HAPPY TO READ THIS!!!!! WELCOME HOME, Y’ALL!!!!! And, to the rest of y’all who aren’t yet home… HANG IN THERE - NOT MUCH LONGER NOW!!!! :)
By A Proud Soliders Wife
March 20, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
As I sit here and read about the return of some of the 48TH BCT, some who as served with my solider in Iraq,Tears of joy just feel my face! HOOAH! My God bless and look after the remaining members!Return them ALL home safely. They have served proudly! HOOAH!
By Shakia McCaslin
March 20, 2006 08:01 PM | Link to this
:D!WELCOME HOME :D! I am very proud of all of you and I thank God, our Father, that each of you has been blessed to make it home safely.
By Jenni
March 20, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
Welcome home, it’s been long coming and well deserved. I am so happy to see how many of you are coming home safe and sound…it shows me there is light at the end of the tunnel, and my husband will be home with the rest of the 48th soon! God bless each of you, enjoy your family and friends! I’m so thankful that you’re home!
By Jenni
March 20, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
You know, we’re writing these comments and these soldiers and their families probably won’t see them because they’ll be too busy with eachother now to worry about reading on here. hehehe!! yay!! Thank the Lord for that! :)
By cindy
March 20, 2006 10:33 PM | Link to this
What a joyous sight! Thanks be to God for the safety of these and those that follow!!
By Missing my Soldier
March 21, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this
Thank God !!! The first of many who will be safe at home.God Bless the ones families who paid the ultimate sacrifice, my heart is with all of them.My husband will be on the next trip home !
By butch wilson
March 21, 2006 05:08 AM | Link to this
welcome home GOD BLESS YOU ALL
By A proud solider's wife
March 21, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all of the soliders that have gone, are home, are to come home, for all the sacrifices that you have made…. My husband is home and I do appreicate that, my heart still goes out to the ones that are to come home in the future…. please hold on to that thought and they will be here before you know it…. For some of us, our soliders have been gone longer than a year, never the less it does not make it any easier for those who are not here…. please be mindful of that and keep each and everyone of them and thier familes in your prayers, I know that I will….. HOOAAH
By OIF Soldier
March 21, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
We love you SGT Morris! We’ll be home soon. You deserve all the praise you receive. See you in a bit. SUPPLY, HOOAH! -JS
By Ollie Harkleroad
March 21, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
Welcome home mark! and a special thank you to you and all others that served with you. All of you did this country proud and is a truly an inspiration to us all here at home. I know Sandy and the kids are so excited to have you home. God bless you and your family as well as all other service men and women both home and in Iraq! Ollie (Sandy’s friend from OTC)
By Proud Wife of Advanced Team
March 21, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
To “soldier’s wife”;
I too am a soldier’s wife. My soldier returned home yesterday. I was one of the few on the field yesterday to greet them. I can assure you the others still in Iraq will not be forgotten and I’m sure their welcome home will be a little more then our guys got yesterday. It was short and sweet; which was great; we all just wanted our soldier’s in our arms. The article above said it was the advanced team and only had 3 pictures; I’m sure the final groups will have a little more coverage.
If it makes you feel any better the soldiers who returned yesterday are at Ft. Stewart working today. They are here for a reason; to get things set up for those that will follow. They are not “home” earlier; they are just doing the next step in their mission. Their mission will not be completed until all of our soldiers are home; so don’t be bitter; be grateful that someone is getting things ready for your soldier to return home to you.
For all of those who remain in Iraq; keep up the good work and we are all awaiting your safe return.
Another Proud Military Wife
By Michelle Poe
March 21, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
welcome back!!
By Della Hass
March 22, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Welcome home, guys! It is good to have you back. Thanks for everything. God is faithful!!!
By James H. Glen
March 22, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Welcome home Georgia heros of the 48th Brigade. Thanks for a job well done under very trying circumstances. Help ease the homecoming of your comrades.
By soldiers wife
March 22, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this
To Pround Wife Of Advanced Team: maybe you better read my entry with a different tone. I did not intend to for it to sound the way you make it sound. My soldier will be home in 3 weeks and I am more than happy to wait 3 short weeks after waiting a year.
So, I am not bitter. It just goes to show how a simple statement can be taken the wrong way by some people who constantly jump on others in these blogs. It was the first entry I ever made and the last due to reponses like yours that I have read every time there is an article posted on this blog. God Bless
By Captain's wife
March 22, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
Thank Goodness they will all be home soon!! But what will all you defense people out there do now? Jump down your soldiers throat everytime he says something? People are just making sure all are not forgotten. There are still more than 2 long months left for some of our soldiers. And while i’m so happy for the famlies of the one that are home now, i’m still praying for the rest of them!
To Pround wife of advanced team: you need to relax a little. No body it playing t** for tat. You are very defense. I did not read soldier wife’s comment like you did. I read it to say “welcome home, let’s not forget the others” thats all. No reason to start another infamous 48th blog.
By proud National Gurad Mom
March 22, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
I am so proud of all the soldiers National Guard or full time Army. For the past 18 month both gaurd and 48th Army have been one team one active unit. The Guard soliders came from all over the country to deploy with the 48th. They served just as hard as the regular Army full timers. They are all fighting the same war and we should not be putting the you are only part timers into this sicne the gurad member are now considered fulltimers and will be release from the 48th that they are now members of to their guard units in many states. I am proud of them all. God Bless all our soliders and their families and friends. Peace come soon to Iraq
By Proud Wife of Advanced Team
March 23, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
To Soldier’s Wife: I too have not posted to this blog before; I only did so after I received some bitter comments from other wives in the 48th and from reading your blog. I have had direct comments about it not being fair that my husband is home and others are not. That’s why I took the time to clarify that he is not “home” he is in Ft. Stewart completing his mission. I am sorry that I grouped you in with these bitter people if you are not one of them…please accept my apologies and please continue to read and post; after all it is one of the freedoms our loved ones have been fighting for.
I also just wanted the soldiers who have not returned to know that we have not forgotten them just because our guys are back state side. We are thinking of them and keeping them in our prayers everyday; this will continue until the last 48th member is home with their family.
By Mrs. Bryan Kemp
March 23, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Welcome home Sgt. Morris and ALL of our wonderful soldiers! Cpl. Kemp misses his roommate now. :) 2 more months to go, and we too will be waiting at Ft. Stewart. Tell your family we said ‘hello’. Friday is Ayden’s 3rd birthday. We are looking forward to your BBQ in June. :D Bless all who serve our proud country.
By Mary Zamora
March 23, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this
Thank you for all that you are doing. Everything you have done and continue to do is greatly appreciated. I recently spoke to parents of Preschool children to prepare them for kindergarten. I spoke of my son and the fact that he is in Iraq now. I want you to know that every soldier received a huge round of applause and many thank yous for a job well done. Please remember, you are not forgotten.
By Jerrell Basile
March 24, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Mark Kicklighter, and other brave military personnel. We’ve prayed for your safety while in Iraq, and for your family who missed you so terribly. Now I praise God for your safe return. Americans appreciate the courageous efforts and great accomplishments you made as you fought for American freedom and safety, as well as Iraqi liberation. May God continue to bless you and your family, our military continuing to serve, and America. We are proud of you.
By soldier's wife
March 24, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Pround wife of advanced team: Apology accepted!! :) This has be a long 12 -18 months for all of us. I thank God for more and more every day for helping us all make it through this!! Especially as we get closer and closer. Anxiety is staring to set in with everyone and makes all of us a little more stressed than we already are!
By ANITA MCFARLIN
March 31, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
Welcome home, SGT Derrek Mcfarlin we want to thank you for all your sacrifices that you have made. May GOD continue to bless you and keep you under his wings of protection as you readjust to life at home. Thank you and all the men and women of the UnitedStatesArmy.