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Welcome home: 20th FW Airmen return from deployment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Diana M. Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Families and friends gathered here to welcome home approximately 200 20th Fighter Wing Airmen from a five-month deployment, Feb. 7.

Cheryl Wilson, wife of Staff. Sgt. Ryan Wilson, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron, anxiously awaited the arrival of her husband. Her kids back home had no idea he would be returning.

"He's going to go sleep on our neighbor's couch until I get the kids to school," said Wilson. "The kids don't know that he's coming home, and he's going to surprise them at their school tomorrow."

Wilson, who hasn't seen her husband for approximately five months, sat in the chairs with a sign she made for her husband.

"I'm anxious, I am really anxious," said Wilson. "I am excited and nervous all at the same time."

While their time deployed may seem brief, it feels like forever when family is left behind.

"We know it's tough being gone for five to six months, especially over the holidays," said Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander.

Going TDY for five to six months is always difficult on families, but that's what we do when our nation requires us to, explained the commander. We are very proud of what you have accomplished and are glad you arrived home safely, said Hall.