GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Smiles, hugs and a few happy tears filled the Appleton Flight Center Friday as more than 200 soldiers from Wisconsin were reunited with their loved ones following a yearlong deployment to the Middle East.
A pair of welcome home ceremonies were held for the Wisconsin National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment.
“It’s honestly great to be back. I missed my family a lot. We were gone much longer than I had anticipated. Of course, that’s because of the conditions of the world, but nonetheless, all of us, we still did our job and we all came home, and that’s a great way to end the deployment,” said soldier Grant Voegeli from Janesville.
The regiment was sent to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in Kuwait and Iraq last spring. Their mission was to work with NATO partners to promote regional security and stability in the region.
“In May of last year, you answered the call when our nation needed you, and today, we’re grateful for your service and proud to welcome you home,” said Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers in his remarks. “Over the past year, you have served with professionalism, discipline and dedication — part of a proud tradition of service. On behalf of the people of Wisconsin, thank you.”
Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Matt Strub said he “could not be more proud” of the soldiers.
“You operated under an incredibly hostile environment and incredible pressure, often in dangerous and unpredictable conditions. Yet, despite the uncertainty and the stress, you stood firm. You didn’t just perform your duties; you delivered results that were nothing short of exceptional,” said Strub.
The soldiers served in security assurance across nine countries in the Middle East. Their work included involvement in the Strait of Hormuz and Operation Epic Fury.
“They were asked to pivot their mission and do things that the previous units hadn’t done,” said Strub.
Soldiers said their year away from home was a challenge.
“I definitely thought about coming home many, many times,” said Voegeli. “The biggest thing was, ‘What’s going to change?'”
The same can be said for those family members welcoming their loved ones back.
“The last year has been very difficult,” said Laura Sandahl, whose husband returned home Friday. “Three little ones, but you’ve got to get through it. You just have to go day-by-day, really.”
The soldiers’ deployment lasted about one month longer than initially expected.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said soldier Evan Bertotto. “I’m just kind of overwhelmed with emotions at first. It’s great seeing everyone. Really special day.”
Added his father, David Bertotto, “Like being reborn again. It was my first time seeing him, my first time. It’s amazing.”
And for Voegeli, it’s the little things he’s excited for.
“We’re going to go home today, get some Culver’s, so that’s what I’m looking forward to the most. I missed Kwik Trip. Honestly, everything about Wisconsin. I’m grateful to be back,” he said.
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