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Heroes see family again

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Holly Brown
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  About 300 Airmen from the 20th Fighter Wing returned to Shaw AFB at around 5 p.m. today after a four-month deployment to Iraq.

Families and friends of the Airmen gathered in Hangar 1200 prior to the landing. Food, drinks and a giant ball pit kept the families and children occupied as they waited to greet their loved ones.

Dozens of balloons and welcome home signs were within an arm's reach until the word to move out the flightline was given.

"There it is!" was yelled above the crowd as the airliner flew into sight.

Cheers and tears continued on as the plane came to a stop and the door was ready to be opened. One-by-one the Airmen stepped out and made their way to the families who anxiously awaited.

Tech. Sgt. Mark Waldron, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, was one of the heroes who came back to an eager family. "It's good to be home and finally be back with family," he said.

Sergeant Waldron's children; Graham, Karsyn and Kamdyn; ages nine, six and five, said they were happy to have their Daddy home.