Soldiers glad to be back from Afghanistan

FORT DRUM — They’re back. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, led by Col. Pedro G. Almeida, is home and excited to get back to ordinary, everyday life.

More than 200 soldiers, the last of the brigade to leave Afghanistan, were welcomed home by friends, family and loved ones at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield. After the hugs, kisses and high-fives were out of the way, soldiers said they were excited to get back to average routines.

Spc. Tarah E. Arnold returned from her second deployment. She spent nearly a year in Afghanistan.

“I’m going to live it up while I’m here,” she said. “I want to eat normal food, go out and shop, drive my own car. I just want to wake up in my own bed.”

Many of the soldiers with the Combat Aviation Brigade deployed last October and their efforts were instrumental for the success of Operation Enduring Freedom, Col. Almeida said.

“The soldiers of this brigade did a tremendous amount of work,” he said. “They flew an incredible pace, an incredible tempo. The soldiers were absolutely amazing — they had a huge impact on operations in Regional Command East. The brigade’s primary functions were providing medical evacuation support. We also provided close combat attacks and aerial reinforcement security missions. A lot of VIP transport, very high level VIP transport as well as the transportation of the generals in the brigade.”

Now that they are home, family is their focus.

Sgt. Brian J. Arias said he is looking forward to getting back to a “normal routine.”

His sons though, have different plans.

“I want to go home with my dad and work on the truck,” said Logan B. Arias, 7.

“I want to play video games with dad,” said Logan’s brother Ethan B., 5.

Aiden R. Arias, 4, and the boys’ mom, Kristie Pistrano-Arias, said they are simply excited to have dad home.

Pfc. Mitchell R. Workman was welcomed home by his wife, Jessica L., and daughter Ryley J., 2. When she saw her dad, Ryley, dressed in a handmade camouflage dress with pink ribbon, reached into her little purse and pulled out a hero ribbon for her dad. She then securely locked her arms around his neck.

“I’m exhausted and jet lagged but it’s so exciting to be home,” Pfc. Workman said.

And home is where they will stay for now.

“The future for the brigade, right now, get back reunited with our families, take some time off, bring everyone back from leave,” Col. Almeida said. “Once we get everyone back from leave we’ll go ahead and we’ll start assembling our equipment again and then be ready for whatever challenge comes up next with the Army.”