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Reserve civil engineers end six-month deployment

  • Published
  • By Caroline Wellman
  • 445th Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  The scene was all smiles and applause as friends, family and unit Airmen welcomed home approximately 60 members of the 445th Airlift Wing March 15. 

The Airmen, from the 445th Civil Engineer Squadron, returned from a six-month deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where they had worked as part of the 755th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. 

"It's the best feeling in the world," said Staff Sgt. James Epley, who was greeted by more than 20 family members after his second deployment. "Leaving six months ago was probably one of the worst feelings in the world, but coming home is one of the best." 

Three-year-old Ellis Nelson, son of Staff Sgt. Michael Nelson, shared a similar sentiment.  When asked if he was happy to have his dad home, Ellis replied with a quick, "Yes." 

Col. Steve Johnson, the wing's vice commander, had only praise for the Airmen's efforts and the support of their families. 

"You had a chance to affect change in the lives of others and you did a remarkable job," Colonel Johnson said. "Thank you. And thank you to the families. I'm very proud to stand in front of you today." 

While deployed, the civil engineers developed the Training Afghan Craftsmen program, which taught carpentry skills and other civil engineering trades to local Afghan workers. 

"It makes more of a difference to teach them," Sergeant Nelson said, "than to just pound nails ourselves all day." 

The returning Airmen will remain on orders for a few weeks to accomplish post-deployment activities and for rest and reconstitution. 

The 445th Airlift Wing currently has more than 50 Airmen deployed around the world in support operations and expects to deploy more Airmen this spring.