Return of Laughlin Airmen joyful, yet solemn

  • Published
  • By Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Thirteen Laughlin Airmen redeployed from Southwest Asia Sept. 11 to a ceremony that was both a joyful and solemn occasion.

The team from the 47th Security Forces Squadron returned on the anniversary of the most devastating terrorist attack ever on American soil.

Airman 1st Class Brandon Deryke said he was reminded of this conflict of emotions when they arrived at the San Antonio International Airport.

"When we were in the airport, there was a moment of silence for those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001," he said. "All eyes seemed to be on us, people in uniform. It made me feel proud."

Airman Deryke said he was only a freshman in high school when it happened, but knew he wanted to do his part. "I'm really glad to be home though," he said. 

Airman Deryke did do his part along with the entire Security Forces team.

"My team did such a good job over there, they did everything that was expected of them plus more," said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Wolfe, the team's leader. "This may not be the easiest job, but it's something the young Airmen need to get used to." 

This day of remembrance was also a day of celebration for another SFS Airmen returning home to Laughlin.

When Airman 1st Class Terez Baily stepped off the bus, he saw his 6-week-old daughter, Arianna Renee, for the first time.

"I'm so excited just to be able to look at her," said a smiling Airman Bailey as he cuddled his child.

Other members of the returning SFS team are: Staff Sgt. Timothy Bartlett, Staff Sgt. Robert Spencer, Senior Airmen Ebonie Bates, Senior Airman Travis Cleark, Senior Airman Justin Meadows, Senior Airman Aaron Souza, Airman 1st Class Shana Brown, Airman 1st Class John Chiappialle, Airman 1st Class Chad Matlock and Airmen Danleyshia Abraham

After in-processing the base, the Airmen will begin a long awaited, well-earned period of reconstitution time off.