3rd ESC Soldiers reunite with loved ones

By Maj. Jared AucheyJanuary 6, 2015

3rd ESC Soldiers reunite with loved ones
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Tara Howes and her children wait for her husband, Master Sgt. Dean Howes, during a redeployment ceremony Dec. 20 at Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox, Ky. The Sustainers, who were deployed to Kuwait in April 2014, provided critical sustain... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
3rd ESC Soldiers reunite with loved ones
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Patrice Dixon-Schofield waits for her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Craig Schofield, during a redeployment ceremony Dec. 20 at Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox, Ky. The Sustainers, who were deployed to Kuwait in April 2014, provided critical su... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
3rd ESC Soldiers reunite with loved ones
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) wait to be released from formation during their redeployment ceremony Dec. 20 at Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox, Ky. The Sustainers, who were deployed to Kuwait in April 2014, pr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. - Soldiers from the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) were greeted by family and friends during a redeployment ceremony Dec. 20 at Natcher Physical Fitness Center on Fort Knox.

The Sustainers, who were deployed to Kuwait in April 2014, provided critical sustainment support throughout the Middle East; specifically in Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. This included essential logistical support for items such as fuel, water and rations.

Brig. Gen. Donnie Walker Jr., commanding general of the 3rd ESC, was the guest speaker for the ceremony and said the Sustainers performed their mission exceptionally well.

"They made a significant difference and huge impact across the entire CENTCOM AOR as part of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command Operational Command Post in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait," Walker said.

Walker also thanked all the families for their support to the Soldiers.

"I would be remiss if I didn't take a moment to thank our family members, who are the silent heroes that are essential to the strength of our Soldiers," said Walker. "Your love and support were critical to our mission success, and I thank you for your great sacrifice over the past eight months of the deployment."

Tara Howes, spouse of Master Sgt. Dean Howes, was ecstatic to see her husband.

"I can't wait to just hold him and squeeze him," said Tara. "We are so excited to have him home for the holidays."

Patrice Dixon-Schofield, spouse of Sgt. 1st Class Craig Schofield, was also excited to be with her husband.

"We have been waiting for this moment for eight months and it is finally here," said Patrice. "Home is where the heart is."

This ceremony marked the conclusion of the 3rd ESC's deployment. After the ceremony concluded, family members rushed to hug and hold their loved ones.