South Florida soldiers return from Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Dan Galindo
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Twenty-one soldiers of the 930th Army Liaison Team returned here March 22 after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

That morning, dozens of family members eagerly waited at the compound of the Florida Army National Guard's 50th Area Support Group for the return of their loved ones.

Families arrived early, setting up decorations and making sure a home-cooked meal was ready for the soldiers once they arrived.

"I'm excited, nervous. There are just way too many feelings to describe at once right now," said Glicelia, wife of Sgt. Manuel Oliva.

For some, the anticipation of the unit's return began long ago.

"Whenever he would call he would always let me know how many days he had left, like a countdown," said Leilani Weist, mother of Spc. Raymond Weist. "We've also been putting together things at home for the past week; making banners and posters, filling balloons and preparing his favorite dish, red curry shrimp."

His return is rather significant to the Weist family, as many family members have served and are currently serving in the military. His great-grandfather and grandfather spent their careers in the Army and Marines, respectively. Spc. Weist also has an uncle in the Navy, an older brother in the Army and a younger brother in the Air Force.

The separation of soldiers from their families was about 14 months due to pre-deployment training. However, a few modern conveniences made the time that the soldiers deployed last January until they arrived home a little easier.

"The calls were short, but we were able to talk a little longer sometimes, so I can't complain" Mrs. Oliva said. "He even sent flowers while I was in the hospital for a few days."

"We had MySpace, email and some calls," said Mrs. Weist. "Contact was good."

As the troops arrived, families endured a few more short moments before being able to embrace.

"You've made a difference in the lives of your fellow Americans and the Afghan people. I'm proud to serve with you," Brig. Gen. Michael Fleming, Assistant Adjutant General of the State of Florida, said, making a point to keep his remarks short before the unit was officially dismissed.

Now home, the soldiers and families plan on celebrating and catching-up.

"It's good to be back home; smelling the trees and clean air is awesome," said Spec. Weist. "I look forward to seeing friends and being near family."

"We're happy to just spend time as a family," his mother said. "I wish our children did not have to go over there, but it's their decision and we support them completely."

Members of the community also came out to welcome back the troops.

"We understand what they've done for us and it's the least we can do. 'You've served your country in combat. Welcome and home and thank you'," said James DePass, State Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"I'm just so very proud to be here to welcome the soldiers home and say 'thank you'," said Lynda Bell, Homestead City Councilwoman. "It's very emotional to see the families' faces. It's a privilege to be here."

The unit supported Operation Enduring Freedom serving as a liaison between the U.S. military and other nation's militaries, including the Afghan National Army and coalition forces.

This was the second deployment to Afghanistan for the soldiers. In 2003, the 930th ALT deployed there for nine months on a similar mission.