FORT SILL, Okla. (Oct. 16, 2014) -- More than 80 Soldiers from Task Force Charlie, composed of Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery, returned home to Fort Sill Oct. 10 to the cheers of excited family, friends, Soldiers and community members.
"Soldiers of Task Force Charlie, you have accomplished your mission," said Col. Andrew Preston, 214th Fires Brigade commander, as the formation stood at attention.
The mission was unique for the field artillery Soldiers who made up the task force. Usually a M109A6 Paladin howitzer unit, the Soldiers deployed to Bahrain as a security force that allowed freedom of maneuver throughout the U.S. Central Command area of operations. They also protected Navy assets and worked with numerous parts of the Department of Defense during their nine-month mission.
"We had Soldiers from every military occupational specialty out there with us performing as a joint force alongside the Navy and Air Force," said Capt. Christopher Campbell, Task Force commander.
"I learned so much from being over there, and more importantly, these Soldiers got an experience they're never going to get again," he said.
The entire 214th Fires Brigade lined the walls next to the guests, packing Rinehart Fitness Center. Banners painted the walls as the giant American flag hung behind the podium.
"You have served your country and the United States Army with dignity and professionalism. It is my sincere honor to be the first to publicly proclaim the two sweetest words a veteran will ever hear: Welcome home!" said Preston.
After "The Army Song," within seconds the bleachers were cleared as the families bolted toward the newly returned servicemembers.
"It is so great to come home and see so many familiar faces all around us, especially to feel the excitement of finally seeing and touching my wife," said Staff Sgt. Armando Gloria.
For some, the welcome home was a chance to show some of the changes that have occurred in the past nine months. Kayla Magerstaedt and her daughter Aurora eagerly awaited the end of the ceremony to introduce Spc. Josh Magerstaedt to his daughter for the first time.
"It feels unreal. It doesn't even feel like it's actually happening," said Kayla.
"Leaving her and my wife was the hardest thing I've ever done, but coming home like this and seeing them again is the greatest feeling I've ever experienced and there really are no words that can describe how I feel," said Spc. Magerstaedt.
The return of the Task Force marks the end of 2-5th FA, as it was their final mission following their inactivation ceremony last month as the 214th Fires Brigade prepares to transform into 4th Division's Artillery at Fort Carson, Colo.
The Soldiers enjoyed a four-day pass before beginning their reintegration training and block leave.
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