10th CAB 'Dustoff' Soldiers return home

By Staff Sgt. Phillis McMiller, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade JournalistNovember 21, 2013

10th CAB dustoff
Recently redeployed Soldiers of 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade look on as Lt. Col. Keirya Langkamp, rear detachment deputy commander, offers words of appreciation for a job well done Thurs... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Recently redeployed 10th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers marched proudly into the Yellow Ribbon room, Family Readiness Support Center, Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, where they were greeted with cheers and smiles, and later hugs and kisses from loved ones, rear detachment leadership and fellow Soldiers.

Soldiers of C Company, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, Task Force Phoenix "Dustoff," redeployed Thursday from Afghan-istan. The six Soldiers were the first of the battalion to return. Soldiers spent nine months deployed caring for ill and wounded Soldiers throughout Afghanistan.

The unit's primary mission was to conduct point of injury and critical care patient transfers between forward operating bases in their region of responsibility. Their swift and decisive actions ensured that service members, coalition forces, and Afghan civilians had immediate access to the highest level of health care available within the province.

"I am proud and honored to have these Soldiers home. Whether it's one Soldier or 501, every Soldier counts," said Capt. Sarah Brisson, rear detachment commander, 3-10 GSAB, 10th CAB.

"Thank you for the support your team has provided over this nine months' deployment," said Lt. Col. Keirya Langkamp, 10th CAB rear detachment deputy commander. "You did a fantastic job, and you can be very proud of what you have done. Welcome home!"

Earlier in the week, family readiness group volunteers Kailynn Prouty, Marianne Schwab, Kimberly Pelkey and Denise Powers, prepared for their Soldiers' arrival by making welcome banners and decorating fences.

"This kind of thing is important to the Soldiers; even though a couple of our husbands are already back, we still want to support all the Soldiers and let them know that we appreciate what they have done," Prouty said.

Understanding that many Soldiers and Family Members will experience stress, which is normal for individuals reintegrating at home, briefings and services will be offered to those who may be in need.