FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- More than 90 Soldiers with the 55th Mobility Augmentation Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, were greeted by Family members, friends, and comrades who filled the gymnasium at the welcome home ceremony held at Davidson Fitness Center Feb. 5.
The 55th MAC returned from Afghanistan after a 12-month deployment, during which the company conducted route clearance operations.
Even the Super Bowl did not distract the crowd from welcoming the Soldiers home. Screams, claps and whistles echoed throughout Davidson Fitness Center as Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters section, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd platoon, marched into formation before the ceremony.
Also in attendance and making up the official party were Brig. Gen. Peter DeLuca, Commandant, Engineer Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence Murphy, command sergeant major of the Engineer Regiment. DeLuca spoke to the formation, emphasizing that with the Soldier's return from deployment, there was a "new normal" they would come to know.
"You will not find your normal for a little while, but you will find it," DeLuca said.
5th Engineer Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Chris McGowan took a few moments to praise and thank the returning Soldiers in his battalion.
He mentioned the Super Bowl coverage under way. "A little birdie told me there was another significant event going on today, but what is taking place in this gym is the most important thing of all," he said.
Prior to releasing the formation, DeLuca spoke directly to the Soldiers.
"On behalf of Command Sgt. Maj. Murphy, on behalf of Fort Leonard Wood leadership, we are proud of what you've done; we are proud of what you did, and we are proud of who you are," he said.
Upon their release, Soldiers and Family members, battle buddies and comrades, sought each other out in the crowd, hugging and holding on.
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