Soldiers from the 910th Quartermaster Company came home to a heroes’ welcome Sunday afternoon, with family and friends standing in the rain waving signs and flags for the returning Army Reservists.
Sgt. Billy Mullens said the soldiers spent a week in Indiana after returning from a year-long mission in Iraq.
“They’re coming in today for a quick little ceremony before we release them back to their families,” he said. Mullens said with the completion of their mission in Iraq, they revert to their reserve status.
“They can go home to their normal lives, get back to doing their one weekend a month again,” he said.
Parents, wives, husbands, friends and many children lined the road outside the Army Reserve Headquarters on South Commerce Street, huddling under umbrellas to keep their signs from running in the rain.
The buses carrying the soldiers were escorted by the Ardmore Police Department and the Patriot Guard Riders.
After disembarking and marching inside the building, the soldiers were welcomed home by their commanding officers and Mayor Martin Dyer.
“We sincerely appreciate the job you’ve done and the sacrifices you’ve made in the past year,” Dyer said. "We’re very thankful you’re home.”
Dyer then added, “God bless all of you and welcome to Ardmore.”
Chief Warrant Officer Jimmy Talbot spoke briefly to the soldiers and their families about their mission in Iraq. He said that the unit’s efforts in securing supplies and equipment returned almost $251 million back into the supply system.
“We did exceptionally well,” Talbot said. “ This job has never been done before in the Army.”
Part of the 910th’s mission in Iraq was to set up an “ amnesty yard.” Talbot said in previous conflicts, equipment was just left in the field after a conflict ended. Now, during what Talbot calls a “responsible draw down,” it’s time to get the equipment out.
“Now we’re gathering up all the equipment and either moving it to Afghanistan where it can be used there, or we’re bringing it home,” he said.
He said the support of family and community back home is vital to their efforts.
“It’s awesome to come home to people that want you that much,” he said. “ They were lined up on the highway, all the way from the border here.”
The soldiers erupted into cheers when they were dismissed by their commander. Sgt. James Williams rushed to his wife and two children after the ceremony. He said the next few days will be all about them.
“I’m going to do a special day for each one of my kids, then go do something with my wife,” he said.
Phil Banker 221- 6542
