819th RED HORSE Squadron returns from deployment

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Terry Nelson
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  More than 180 Airmen from the 819th RED HORSE Squadron touched down at the Great Falls International Airport at 11 a.m. Monday after being deployed for more than six months in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

The Airmen were greeted by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Col. Sandra Finan, 341st Space Wing commander, and other Malmstrom leaders. Shortly after arrival, the Airmen boarded busses and proceeded down 10th Ave. S., with a Great Falls Police Department escort to Malmstrom where their families awaited. 

The deployment began more than seven months ago for members of the 819th RHS, as they began by traveling to Fort McCoy, Wis., to train with the Army prior to their deployment. 

After arriving in Southwest Asia, the Airmen of the 819th joined forces with other civil engineers to form a contingent more than 500 strong. 

"We had 569 Airmen in 14 locations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar, and were responsible for about $54 million in construction of projects," said Col. Terry Watkins, 819th RHS commander. "We were the first-ever engineering unit to train the Iraqis on how to build infrastructure, allowing the Iraqi villagers to construct their own towns and villages." 

This is the fourth time the 819th RHS has deployed since 9/11, the latest since being deployed from November 2005 to early 2006. Much like in the past, the greatest concern was the safety of the 819th RHS Airmen, along with their ability to acquire parts and services to accomplish the mission. 

"There's constantly a concern about security," Colonel Watkins said. "Plus, the services and parts that are readily available in the United States are not in a war zone. Waiting for parts was common, although our Airmen were ingenious in coming up with ways to use what they had on hand." 

Hugs, kisses, tears of joy and celebration abound during Monday's homecoming, with the sentiments of "happy to be home" echoing throughout the RED HORSE Hangar. 

Gus Palmer, son of Master Sgt. Kelly Palmer, 819th RHS supply manager said, "I always wanted to see my mom's face, I just love her more than anything and I really missed her for the past 207 days." 

The returning Airmen will spend the next couple of weeks getting reunited with their family and friends before heading back to work on the homefront.