Rhode Warriors Return from Deployment

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt Arthur DesLauriers
  • 143d AW/PA
01/05/2014 --  QUONSET AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, North Kingstown RI - After a one day weather delay 60 Airmen from the 143d Airlift Wing returned home January 5th following a deployment to Kuwait.

While deployed the Airmen from Operations, Maintenance and Logistics participated in Air Mobility operations in Southwest Asia supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Supply missions, troop movements, and humanitarian missions kept the Airmen busy during their stay.

Upon arriving at building P-1 the returning members were met by excited family members, fellow Airmen, and Rhode Island military and political leadership.

"Very Excited! It's great to be home with family," said returning Airman First Class Dalton Sapder as he held his son Gavin for the first time. "I couldn't wait for him to come home. We are so excited to have him back," said Airman Spader's wife Samantha.

An 11 member detail from the Patriot Guard and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association provided an American Flag lined entrance into P-1 for the returning Airmen - a hero's welcome home. "We do this because this is the right thing to do. We didn't have a home coming from Vietnam and Iraq. We do this for the Airmen and their families," said Mike "Gizmo" Damazzi, Rhode Island State Representative of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

"Team Rhody returns from yet another highly successful mission," said Colonel Arthur Floru, 143d Airlift Wing Commander. "The Rhode Warriors compete on a world stage every day and always achieve extraordinary results. Our Team is very proud."

Welcome home Rhode Warriors!