SACRAMENTO, Calif. –
Family and friends gathered at the Sacramento International Airport Aug. 18 to welcome home members of the 940th Security Forces Squadron from a six month deployment in Iraq.
"It's great to have these troops home. It's been a long, difficult tour for them and their families," said Col. Jon Ellis, 940th Operations Group commander. "I am extremely proud to serve with these dedicated professionals who serve with distinction while balancing the demands of family and civilian employment requirements."
Among those on hand to welcome the Airmen back were Sacramento Sheriff's Department officer Russ Munn, who recently retired from the 940th SFS, and California Highway Patrol Sergeant Andrew Silcox.
"I wanted to see them come home safe. I'm here for the camaraderie," Sergeant Silcox commented.
While in Iraq, the Airmen provided perimeter defense and entry control for the Kirkuk Regional Air Base, in support of U.S. Army efforts in the region, according to Col. Ken Baker, 940th Mission Support Group commander.
Reflecting on the group's accomplishments, Tech. Sgt Michael Carrillo, 940th SFS, said, "We're doing good things out there."
Sergeant Carrillo, who received a promotion and was recognized as top performer for July while deployed at Kirkuk, explained "a lot goes on behind the scenes - we're benefiting the people there."
Master Sgt. Bill Williams, 940th SFS deployment squad leader said, "The highlight of this deployment was doing the job that we trained to do. Of course, there's a sense of apprehension about transitioning back to civilian life. After spending more than six months with these guys, there's a sense of loss as we go our separate ways now."