WESTERVILLE, Ohio - Shortly after a Veteran's Day parade wound through downtown Columbus Nov. 9, Ohio residents welcomed home their latest group of battle-forged veterans at the Vineyard Church in Westerville.
Hundreds of well-wishers gathered to celebrate the return of the Ohio National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 16th Engineer Brigade, following the unit's yearlong deployment to Iraq in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Cloudless skies and unusually warm November temperatures provided a perfect back-drop as friends, families and loved-ones lined the sidewalk outside the church, awaiting the buses that would return their Soldiers to them.
Traffic slowed the Soldiers' travel causing a 20-minute delay to their expected return - but for families who had waited more than a year for this day, what were 20 more minutes?
Suddenly the red and blue flashing lights of a police escort were seen turning the corner and the crowd erupted as the series of long, silver travel buses came into view. American flags, signs and banners began dancing in the air as families strained to get a glimpse of their Soldier.
"Seems I've been waiting for this day my whole life," said 10-year-old Tra-Onah Rudolph, whose sister, Spc. DeeAnna Rudolph, would eventually find her family and fall into their loving arms.
"She used to take me to the movies and shopping on the weekends and she already told me that we're going to go out to the malls this weekend. She missed my birthday and she promised she's going to make it up. I can't wait to see her."
"I see her waving at us! Right there!" screamed the young Rudolph as the buses pulled around the corner, her eyes exploding into a waterfall of joy-filled tears.
As the buses came to a stop, Soldiers and families rushed to find each other and erase the year that just passed between them. Mommies and daddies were introduced or reintroduced to their young children, husbands and wives held each other in long embraces; friends shook hands, patted backs and offered a heartfelt "Welcome home."
After nearly 30 minutes of reacquainting, family members and guests were ushered into the auditorium of the church as a formal welcome home ceremony began. "Amazing Grace" rang out from the bagpipes of the Columbus Police and Fire Department's Drum and Fife Corps as the returning Soldiers filed in and took their seats.
Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, the Ohio adjutant general, was the ceremony's first speaker. "What a great day to be a member of the 16th Engineering Brigade!" he said to rousing applause.
Wayt gave special thanks and consideration to the families of the deployed Soldiers noting that without them, the Ohio National Guard would not be able to accomplish its mission.
Emblazoned on the brigade's regimental crest are the words Blast, Build, Battle. Wayt described how during their deployment, the Soldiers embodied the motto.
"You assured mobility with coverage of more then 17,000 square miles of area in the Baghdad AO (area of operations)," he said. "Your Soldiers found over 882 IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and were responsible for the improvement of the quality of life on the forward operating bases in which you lived. Like your fathers and grandfathers before you, you have defended freedom."
Following Wayt, Gov. Bob Taft presented Brig. Gen. Robin C. Timmons, commanding general of the 16th, with a proclamation from the state.
"On behalf of all Ohioans, 'Welcome home!' You have served on the front lines of terrorism and strived to ensure democracy," Taft said.
"Indeed, as General Wayt noted, the Ohio National Guard is the best National Guard in the nation."
For Sarita Fenn, wife of Sgt. Mark Fenn, the speakers and ceremony were wonderful, but held her from the one thing she cared about that day.
"I am so unbelievably happy right now," Fenn said. "I can't wait to get Mark home. This has been a really hard year without him, but as long as he's made a positive difference, it's all been worth it."