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It's good to be home

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Peter Dean
  • 107th Airlift Wing
Niagara Falls, NY --  On Aug. 23, crowds of friends, families and loved ones numbering more than 100 gathered at the Buffalo International Airport to welcome home members of the New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing Security Forces Squadron.
This was a long time coming for parents and loved ones like Liz, mother of Senior Airman Michael Badolato, "I can't wait to see him," she said.
As the Airmen rounded the corner, cheers and cries of joy could be heard throughout the airport. Emotions climaxed as the Airmen were greeted by the familiar faces of friends, families and loved ones.
Earlier this year members from the 107th were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, to Sather Air Base, Baghdad, for a six month deployment. While deployed the 107th AW Security Forces' mission was to provide security for the men and women working and living on Sather Air Base.
Dry, dusty and hot were the words that Senior Master Sgt. Paul Wiencek used to describe the conditions in Baghdad. "It good to be back home," he said.
After a brief reunion both members and their families quickly gathered their belongings and hurried home for some rest and relaxation.
The New York Air National Guard's 107th Airlift Wing still has members deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and are expected to return home shortly.