National Guard Unit Returns From Iraq

Area soldiers home after nine-month deployment

A welcome sight for friends and loved ones as the DC National Guard unpacked and enjoyed their first moments of being home.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air to be around your love ones," said Staff Sgt. Charnice Waters. "To be away for so long, it’s amazing.”
 
The mother of First Lt. Michael Cox had her cheering contingency out, ready to greet her son and her hero.
 
“He told me not to listen to the news but it’s hard not to listen to the news when your baby’s away,” said Cox. “I just had my church and all of my friends praying for him and I’m just so glad he’s home.”
 
The soldiers from the National Guard's 547th Transportation Co. and 104th Maintenance Detachment spent the past nine months based in Balad, Iraq. Their primary duty was to escort and protect local troops helping rebuild the country.
 
“Sometimes you have bombings and things of that nature so you tend to kind of like make sure that you stay on top of your toes make sure you stay safe,” said Sergeant Willicia Ruffin.
 
“We were at a football game, and a building was blown up not even 200 meters away from us, so that was really scary,” said Waters.
 
For many, it was their second or third deployment to Iraq but thankfully on this past deployment, everyone came home safe. It’s back to civilian life now, but the soldiers know the call to re-enter a war zone can come at any moment.
 
“I hope they don’t call me for a little while because I’d like to live my life for a little bit,” Cox said. “But if they, do that’s what we’re called to do.”
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