3rd BCT torch party returns to Fort Drum after a year in Afghanistan

By Sgt. Jaime De LeonFebruary 9, 2012

3rd BCT torch party
Spc. Norberto Osbourne greets his Family after returning Feb. 2 from Afghanistan. Osbourne, a communications specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, was among the first Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team to return from a yearlong de... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The first Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), returned Feb. 2 to Fort Drum from their yearlong deployment to Afghanistan.

The Spartan Brigade spent the last year in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, working with Afghan National Security Forces to bring stability to the region known as the "birthplace of the Taliban."

Soldiers were reunited with their Families at Magrath Sports Complex after a brief ceremony.

Nearly 100 Soldiers marched into the gym to the roaring applause of friends and Family Members. Bleachers were filled with eager parents, spouses and children, some of whom held signs welcoming their Soldiers home.

As the Soldiers stopped in the middle of the court and turned to face their Families, the applause intensified, being halted by the playing of "The Star Spangled Banner."

"Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing these American heroes home safely," Capt. William Moran prayed, to increasing applause from the crowd. "We pray that your love and joy and peace would be felt as they reunite with their Families and loved ones this evening. In your holy name we pray, Amen."

After the benediction, the reviewing officer, Col. Richard D. Clarke, deputy commanding general of operations, took the podium to say a few words. He praised the Soldiers' hard work and their Families' resilience before citing the brigade's triumphs overseas. "This brigade, our Spartans, conducted five major operations and over 70 air-assault missions."

"The Spartans were repeatedly asked to brave the toughest fights in Afghanistan in some of the harshest environments," he continued.

As Clarke concluded his comments, the band played the 10th Mountain Division Song, and then the Army Song.

The ceremony was intentionally kept short to keep anxious Families separated for a minimal amount of time. Soldiers in formation could not help but scan the crowd and smile and nod when their eyes met their loved ones. With the final note of the Army Song, Soldiers were released to their Families.

Some spouses ran directly for their Soldiers, while others wandered through the crowd before finally spotting their loved one in the crowd. As the Families reunited, they trickled out of the gym to enjoy their time with their newly returned Soldiers.

The remaining members of 3rd BCT will return in several groups throughout February and March.