Michigan soldiers return home
MUSKEGON, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A group of American soldiers are back in Muskegon County after serving a tour in Iraq.
The 180th Transportation Company returned home to Muskegon on Friday afternoon, and within moments of their arrival, a very emotional moment as more than 40 soldiers were welcomed back.
A welcome home salute was waiting for the soldiers in the Muskegon based U.S. Army Reserves 180th Transportation Company.
Friday was a very happy day for loved ones of the soldiers, finally get a chance to embrace their loved one.
It's been a very difficult time for the military families, the men and women who returned Friday have been gone since February of 2009 when they went to training.
Inside the Muskegon Catholic Central high school signs and banners and flowers abounded and a gigantic flag was draped inside the gymnasium.
Newschannel 3 spoke with some of the families before the welcome home event, talking with them about the hardships and sacrifice they've endured.
There were many tears and a palatable sense of anticipation as they waited for their troops to arrive.
“It's challenging,” said soldier's wife Jessica Albin, “but it's definitely rewarding at the same time. The pride that you feel is unlike any I have ever experienced. Being able to see your kids see their dad in their uniform and 'Oh, my daddy's a soldier.”
Jessica was waiting inside the gym with her youngsters, the littlest of which is eight months old, and it's been eight months since his father saw him.
“I am beyond thrilled,” said Jessica, “I spent a year without my husband, got three little boys who are excited, they're more excited than they are at Christmas time.”
Outside the gym, their loved one was on his way, a moment in time that many will remember as the bus rolled in.
As Jessica waited for her husband, hundreds were gathered outside the gym to welcome the soldiers home.
“They deserve this and so much more,” said military aunt Jan Santos, “to be over there fighting for us.”
As the 42 men and women of the 180th Transportation Company entered, Jessica saw her husband from a distance, and after an excruciating wait, the moment Jessica and her children had waiting a year for, a welcome home they'll always remember.
“I don't know even how to describe it,” said Jessica's husband, Joe Albin. “Man, it's awesome.”
As happy as Friday's event was, many were also keeping in mind those families who have lost loved ones in the war on terror.
