Hero's welcome held for returnees

  • Published
  • By Kent Cummins
  • 47th FTW Public Affairs
Laughlin AFB, Texas --  Laughlin Air Force Base honored more than 100 Airmen who have returned from deployments over the past fiscal year with a special homecoming celebration here Oct. 13. 

Several hundred people turned out for the event, which was organized by the base's Services Division, and Airman and Family Readiness Flight. Festivities included entertainment for children, music and lots of food.

"This is one small way we can show our appreciation, and salute those Laughlin Airmen who have deployed around the globe this past year serving our nation so well," said Col. Mike Minahan, 47th Flying Training Wing commander.

The colonel also recognized the others who sacrificed. "I also want to thank the family members, the spouses and children, who held things together while their loved ones were overseas fighting the Global War on Terror to ensure the safety and security of our Nation and her citizens," said Colonel Minahan.
 
One of the returnees, Senior Airman Chris Pace, who works in Laughlin's Radar Approach Control facility, was impressed with the homecoming festivities.
 
"It's really nice they did this for us," said Pace, who returned Oct. 11 from Iraq. "I wasn't expecting it. I'm glad to be home." Pace said he enjoys Laughlin because of the friendly community and small base. "The base in Iraq was small too, but Laughlin is much nicer," Pace said with a smile.
 
Laughlin's primary mission is to train the best pilots in the world, but the base also deploys Airmen around the world in support of the War on Terror.
 
Although more than 100 are now home, there are still approximately 50 Laughlin Airmen serving their country abroad.