FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- The 10th Sustainment Brigade hosted a welcome home ceremony Tuesday at Magrath Sports Complex to greet the last group of Soldiers assigned to the brigade headquarters who were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Col. Willie Rios III, 10th Sustainment Brigade commander, was among the 78 Soldiers who returned, as well as a few Soldiers from 91st Military Police Battalion and 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
Due to the nine-month deployment, the brigade was not authorized to allow its Soldiers to go on rest and recuperation leave, which meant that most Soldiers did not see their Family or friends until the mission was complete.
The Muleskinner Brigade had served as the single sustainment brigade in Afghanistan and closed out the sustainment mission as it transitioned to Resolute Support.
The gym was crowded with people who live on Fort Drum and others who traveled from across the U.S. to see their loved one. Some seemed anxious, as they were constantly moving around and checking the time. They knew they would soon be reunited with their significant other.
"It's a relief to have the Family back together again," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ernie Ixtlahuac, 10th Sustainment Brigade property book officer.
Soldiers waited about three hours from the time they landed before the ceremony began, which allowed them time to freshen up. Soldiers had smiles on their faces as the time approached. They lined up and marched in to the gym. The crowd stood on their feet, clapped and screamed, and some people took photos.
Col. Robert A. Culp II, 10th Sustainment Brigade home station commander, gave a brief speech thanking everyone for attending and asking people to keep those in harm's way in their prayers. After the speech and the singing of the 10th Mountain Division Song and the Army Song, Soldiers were dismissed.
Several Family Members ran toward the formation of troops, others walked, but the outcome was the same. It was long enough, and they were finally reunited.
"It feels awesome," said Capt. Juan Cepeda, brigade adjutant. "I look forward to spending time with the Family and catching up with my kids."
There are approximately 130 Soldiers assigned to subordinate battalions still deployed. Most are scheduled to return before Christmas.
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