FORT HOOD, Texas -- It's the time of year when people enjoy gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate, adorn their homes with festive decorations, gather with friends and family, and of course -- exchange gifts.
Well, many families here received the best gift of all Dec. 9 when more than 220 Soldiers from 3rd Cavalry Regiment "Brave Rifles" returned home two months early from a nine-month rotation in Afghanistan in support of operations Freedom's Sentinel and Resolute Support.
This was the regiment's second deployment to this region of Afghanistan in a three-year time frame. A majority of the troopers served in the eastern region of the country as the foundation of Train, Advise, Assist, Command-East.
After arriving at Robert Gray Army Airfield, the Soldiers loaded onto several buses and headed to the Starker Physical Fitness Center. The moment the Soldiers entered the gym, the awaiting crowd of excited family members and friends holding balloons and signs erupted with applause.
Among the crowd of people was Maleaha Himmons. She scanned the formation of Soldiers in search of 1st Lt. Benjamin Owen, an officer with Field Artillery Squadron "Steel," 3rd Cavalry Regiment.
"It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I'm so excited to have him finally home," Himmons said as she held her three-week-old son, Carter, in her arms. "This is the first time he gets to meet his son."
As the Soldiers stood in formation before the crowd of loved ones, Col. James Gallivan, the 1st Cavalry Division home station commander, delivered a brief welcome home speech to the soldiers and then released them to their families with a countdown.
Three... Two... One... "Charge!"
The crowd dashed from the bleachers into the arms of their loved ones. The room was filled with laughter and tears of joy.
After a few seconds of scouring the crowd, Owen found Himmons and their son and immediately embraced them in a hug. Himmons carefully handed their son to Owen, and Owen held his son for the first time.
"It feels great to be home," Owen said as he gazed down at his son's face. "While I was deployed, I saw my son, but the feeling I get by actually holding him in my arms is indescribable. There's so many emotions wrapped up into one: excitement, nervousness, joy to name a few."
Owen continued, "We have a nice little plan drawn up to surprise both of our families for the holidays because they don't know I'm home yet."
Although the Brave Rifles mission isn't complete until February 2017, about 500 Brave Rifles Troopers are expected to return home early -- just in time for the holidays.
"I can enjoy this Christmas with my family and the newest addition," Owen said.
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