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Published On: Jan 02, 2006 05:57 PM
Total entries in this category:
Published On: Jan 02, 2006 05:57 PM
Homecoming!
MARYS — Although the official homecoming
ceremony isn't until Jan. 8, approximately 300 people braved cold weather and
the threat of rain to welcome the men and women of Alpha Company, 612 Battalion,
Friday.
...Marys, stood outside the armory with a group of friends that included Lauren Keith, who had welcomed her father, Sgt. 1st Class Preston Keith, home earlier.
...She explained that Fortman had graduated from Wright State University with a degree in nursing.
A crew of friends waved a large sign as they waited to greet Sgt. Geoff Lee, who graduated from Memorial High School in 2001.
The arrival of Sgt. Chad Spencer, from Spencerville, was anticipated by Amanda Spencer and daughters, Mikayla, 3, and Cadence, 1 1/2, along with parents Clyde and Cindy Spencer and brother-in-law Levi Burkholder, 9.
"I'm going to give him a big old hug and a big old kiss and not let him go for a couple hours. Then, I'm not going to let him out of my sight for a long time," Amanda said.
Sgt. Steve Human, from Mansfield, was able to obtain a four-day leave when his daughter, Malleah, was born Jan. 6, 2005, explained his wife, Teallina.
..."I'm very excited, very nervous," said Teallina as she waited for the buses to arrive. She added that the family had delayed Christmas for Steve's homecoming and planned to open their gifts upon returning home to Mansfield.
Terri Chialastri, the mother of Combat Engineer Eric Reed, 26, traveled from Cincinnati with Eric's sister, Danielle Johnson, 13, to welcome him home.
...Three days after they were married, he returned to Iraq, she said. She traveled from their home in Sidney to await his arrival.
Steve Wade of Celina and his daughter, Haley, 12, were waiting for "all of 'em," he said.
..."We're just glad to have them home," said Todd and Callie about the upcoming return of the 612th and their son, Spc.
...Lorn and Pam Smith, of Loveland, waited with new friend Kent Swisher for their sons, Spc.
..."We live in the same neighborhood, but we didn't know each other until our sons went over to Iraq," Swisher said.
...Marys and the Family Readiness Group," she added.
...Marys VFW Post #9289, Celina VFW Post #5713, American Legion Post #330 and the district VFW Ladies' Auxiliary provided a color guard, lining the walkway into the Armory. Ballard Chaffing, a member of the Celina VFW, passed through the crowd, handing out American flags.
...Marys Pep Band assembled as the buses came into sight, escorted by police cars and fire trucks.
The soldiers, dressed in camouflage and bearing duffel bags, quickly searched out their families among the crowd. Kisses, hugs, tears and screams of joy greeted them from their families and friends.
Parents Donald and Susan Henline and sister Stephanie, all from St.
...I'm going to work when I get back," he said, adding that he didn't plan to return to work immediately.
...Dave Oberlin from Oak Harbor, was welcomed home by his parents, Steve and Audrey Axe. The couple drove 2 1/2 hours from their home in Oak Harbor.
...The 22-year-old plans to return to Bowling Green State University, where he had been studying for two years before being called up.
Wife Shelly; children Alexis, 1, Ryan, 5, and Derek, 12; and parents Jim and Marlene Meggitt, all from Bellevue, greeted Sgt. 1st Class Mike Meggitt.
When asked what they planned to do after the 2 1/2-hour drive back to Bellevue, Derek chimed in, "Dinner."
..."Then, I plan to sit down and spend time with my daughter (and the rest of my family)."
...Their short-term plans involved a big party the day after, followed by a return to college.
Michelle Mantor greeted her husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Mantor, from underneath a bevy of balloons. The Piqua couple, which has four children, planned to eat pizza for their next meal, Michelle said.
Among the folks in uniform greeting their loved ones was Air Force Staff Sgt. Carrie Parsons Dobney. She traveled with Jonathan, 13, and Robert, 8, from Wright Patterson Air Force Base to greet Lt. Glenn Dobney.
Glenn Dobney is from Michigan, and he was active duty when they met in Bosnia, his wife explained.
...said Lt. Dobney, adding that he "missed my family" the most during his tour in Iraq.
Some people in the crowd took the time to make sure each soldier had been greeted with a "Welcome home."
Celina Staff Sgt. Chet Hone was greeted by his wife, Julie, and their three children, Tyler, 11, Lucas, 7, and Lauren, 8, as well as other members of the family. Hone said the family's plans included celebrating Christmas that very day.
...Candice Wilges from Columbus, who had married just before she left.
"I'm not home yet," said Wilges before walking into the Armory.
...He gave the soldiers and their families phone numbers for them to call if they needed to talk or were experiencing any kind of difficulty.
The soldiers were then told to report back to the Armory Jan. 4 for a return to Camp Atterbury in Indiana before their official homecoming Jan. 8.
Todd Fleagle, who welcomed back his son, said, "We want people to attend the January 8 community homecoming.
...Marys, stood outside the armory with a group of friends that included Lauren Keith, who had welcomed her father, Sgt. 1st Class Preston Keith, home earlier.
...She explained that Fortman had graduated from Wright State University with a degree in nursing.
A crew of friends waved a large sign as they waited to greet Sgt. Geoff Lee, who graduated from Memorial High School in 2001.
The arrival of Sgt. Chad Spencer, from Spencerville, was anticipated by Amanda Spencer and daughters, Mikayla, 3, and Cadence, 1 1/2, along with parents Clyde and Cindy Spencer and brother-in-law Levi Burkholder, 9.
"I'm going to give him a big old hug and a big old kiss and not let him go for a couple hours. Then, I'm not going to let him out of my sight for a long time," Amanda said.
Sgt. Steve Human, from Mansfield, was able to obtain a four-day leave when his daughter, Malleah, was born Jan. 6, 2005, explained his wife, Teallina.
..."I'm very excited, very nervous," said Teallina as she waited for the buses to arrive. She added that the family had delayed Christmas for Steve's homecoming and planned to open their gifts upon returning home to Mansfield.
Terri Chialastri, the mother of Combat Engineer Eric Reed, 26, traveled from Cincinnati with Eric's sister, Danielle Johnson, 13, to welcome him home.
...Three days after they were married, he returned to Iraq, she said. She traveled from their home in Sidney to await his arrival.
Steve Wade of Celina and his daughter, Haley, 12, were waiting for "all of 'em," he said.
..."We're just glad to have them home," said Todd and Callie about the upcoming return of the 612th and their son, Spc.
...Lorn and Pam Smith, of Loveland, waited with new friend Kent Swisher for their sons, Spc.
..."We live in the same neighborhood, but we didn't know each other until our sons went over to Iraq," Swisher said.
...Marys and the Family Readiness Group," she added.
...Marys VFW Post #9289, Celina VFW Post #5713, American Legion Post #330 and the district VFW Ladies' Auxiliary provided a color guard, lining the walkway into the Armory. Ballard Chaffing, a member of the Celina VFW, passed through the crowd, handing out American flags.
...Marys Pep Band assembled as the buses came into sight, escorted by police cars and fire trucks.
The soldiers, dressed in camouflage and bearing duffel bags, quickly searched out their families among the crowd. Kisses, hugs, tears and screams of joy greeted them from their families and friends.
Parents Donald and Susan Henline and sister Stephanie, all from St.
...I'm going to work when I get back," he said, adding that he didn't plan to return to work immediately.
...Dave Oberlin from Oak Harbor, was welcomed home by his parents, Steve and Audrey Axe. The couple drove 2 1/2 hours from their home in Oak Harbor.
...The 22-year-old plans to return to Bowling Green State University, where he had been studying for two years before being called up.
Wife Shelly; children Alexis, 1, Ryan, 5, and Derek, 12; and parents Jim and Marlene Meggitt, all from Bellevue, greeted Sgt. 1st Class Mike Meggitt.
When asked what they planned to do after the 2 1/2-hour drive back to Bellevue, Derek chimed in, "Dinner."
..."Then, I plan to sit down and spend time with my daughter (and the rest of my family)."
...Their short-term plans involved a big party the day after, followed by a return to college.
Michelle Mantor greeted her husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Mantor, from underneath a bevy of balloons. The Piqua couple, which has four children, planned to eat pizza for their next meal, Michelle said.
Among the folks in uniform greeting their loved ones was Air Force Staff Sgt. Carrie Parsons Dobney. She traveled with Jonathan, 13, and Robert, 8, from Wright Patterson Air Force Base to greet Lt. Glenn Dobney.
Glenn Dobney is from Michigan, and he was active duty when they met in Bosnia, his wife explained.
...said Lt. Dobney, adding that he "missed my family" the most during his tour in Iraq.
Some people in the crowd took the time to make sure each soldier had been greeted with a "Welcome home."
Celina Staff Sgt. Chet Hone was greeted by his wife, Julie, and their three children, Tyler, 11, Lucas, 7, and Lauren, 8, as well as other members of the family. Hone said the family's plans included celebrating Christmas that very day.
...Candice Wilges from Columbus, who had married just before she left.
"I'm not home yet," said Wilges before walking into the Armory.
...He gave the soldiers and their families phone numbers for them to call if they needed to talk or were experiencing any kind of difficulty.
The soldiers were then told to report back to the Armory Jan. 4 for a return to Camp Atterbury in Indiana before their official homecoming Jan. 8.
Todd Fleagle, who welcomed back his son, said, "We want people to attend the January 8 community homecoming.
Homecoming
From Staff Reports
ST. MARYS — Although the official homecoming ceremony isn't until Jan. 8, approximately 300 people braved cold weather and the threat of rain to welcome the men and women of Alpha Company, 612 Battalion, Friday.
Jennifer Schmidt, from St. Marys, stood outside the armory with a group of friends that included Lauren Keith, who had welcomed her father, Sgt. 1st Class Preston Keith, home earlier. Schmidt was waiting for Sgt. Amanda Fortman from Fort Loramie.
"She's my best friend," she said. She explained that Fortman had graduated from Wright State University with a degree in nursing.
A crew of friends waved a large sign as they waited to greet Sgt. Geoff Lee, who graduated from Memorial High School in 2001.
The arrival of Sgt. Chad Spencer, from Spencerville, was anticipated by Amanda Spencer and daughters, Mikayla, 3, and Cadence, 1 1/2, along with parents Clyde and Cindy Spencer and brother-in-law Levi Burkholder, 9.
"I'm going to give him a big old hug and a big old kiss and not let him go for a couple hours. Then, I'm not going to let him out of my sight for a long time," Amanda said.
Sgt. Steve Human, from Mansfield, was able to obtain a four-day leave when his daughter, Malleah, was born Jan. 6, 2005, explained his wife, Teallina. Mother and baby daughter waited with Human's son, Philip, 4.
Terry and Sue Halko
"I'm very excited, very nervous," said Teallina as she waited for the buses to arrive. She added that the family had delayed Christmas for Steve's homecoming and planned to open their gifts upon returning home to Mansfield.
Terri Chialastri, the mother of Combat Engineer Eric Reed, 26, traveled from Cincinnati with Eric's sister, Danielle Johnson, 13, to welcome him home.
"I'm just so excited, I can't stand it," Chialastri said.
Spc. Dan Barhorst married his fiancee, Megan, in July while he was home on leave. Three days after they were married, he returned to Iraq, she said. She traveled from their home in Sidney to await his arrival.
Steve Wade of Celina and his daughter, Haley, 12, were waiting for "all of 'em," he said. He explained that he used to be the first sergeant of the company before retiring.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I spent a lot of time with these guys," he said.
Linn and Cindy Sawmiller, St. Marys, awaited the return of their sons, Dan and Jake Sawmiller.
"We're just glad to have them home," said Todd and Callie about the upcoming return of the 612th and their son, Spc. Doug Fleagle. They waited with Doug's aunt, Marscia Fleagle.
Lorn and Pam Smith, of Loveland, waited with new friend Kent Swisher for their sons, Spc. Trevor Smith and Second Lt. David K. Swisher.
"We live in the same neighborhood, but we didn't know each other until our sons went over to Iraq," Swisher said.
"We helped each other through," said Pam Smith.
"I am so impressed at the people here in St. Marys and the Family Readiness Group," she added.
Representatives from St. Marys VFW Post #9289, Celina VFW Post #5713, American Legion Post #330 and the district VFW Ladies' Auxiliary provided a color guard, lining the walkway into the Armory. Ballard Chaffing, a member of the Celina VFW, passed through the crowd, handing out American flags.
Screams of excitement erupted from the crowd and the St. Marys Pep Band assembled as the buses came into sight, escorted by police cars and fire trucks. The band played for the troops as they disembarked from the buses at around 10 a.m.
The soldiers, dressed in camouflage and bearing duffel bags, quickly searched out their families among the crowd. Kisses, hugs, tears and screams of joy greeted them from their families and friends.
Parents Donald and Susan Henline and sister Stephanie, all from St. Marys, brought along Spc. Josh Henline's "special project," as his mom called it — his tricked-out black pick-up.
Donald, Susan explained, recruited most of the soldiers in the 612th.
After greeting his family, Henline made a beeline for the truck.
"I haven't been home in nine months. I'm going to work when I get back," he said, adding that he didn't plan to return to work immediately.
Spc. Dave Oberlin from Oak Harbor, was welcomed home by his parents, Steve and Audrey Axe. The couple drove 2 1/2 hours from their home in Oak Harbor.
"I just want to get home and relax ... just be a family," he said. The 22-year-old plans to return to Bowling Green State University, where he had been studying for two years before being called up.
Wife Shelly; children Alexis, 1, Ryan, 5, and Derek, 12; and parents Jim and Marlene Meggitt, all from Bellevue, greeted Sgt. 1st Class Mike Meggitt.
When asked what they planned to do after the 2 1/2-hour drive back to Bellevue, Derek chimed in, "Dinner."
"Have a nice dinner," Mike concurred. "Then, I plan to sit down and spend time with my daughter (and the rest of my family)."
Explained his wife, "She was only two months when he left."
Spc. Johnny Colegrove, 20, from Lima, was greeted by his mother, Mary Mcanally.
"I'm not letting him go again," she said. "He has to stay home now."
Their short-term plans involved a big party the day after, followed by a return to college.
Michelle Mantor greeted her husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Mantor, from underneath a bevy of balloons. The Piqua couple, which has four children, planned to eat pizza for their next meal, Michelle said.
Among the folks in uniform greeting their loved ones was Air Force Staff Sgt. Carrie Parsons Dobney. She traveled with Jonathan, 13, and Robert, 8, from Wright Patterson Air Force Base to greet Lt. Glenn Dobney.
Glenn Dobney is from Michigan, and he was active duty when they met in Bosnia, his wife explained. Later, he earned a bachelor's degree in engineering.
Dobney went into the National Guard because "he had a family. He didn't want to lose his family. But he still has a sense of pride in his country," his wife said.
"I'm very much glad to be home. The first thing I'll do is play with my kids." said Lt. Dobney, adding that he "missed my family" the most during his tour in Iraq.
Some people in the crowd took the time to make sure each soldier had been greeted with a "Welcome home."
Celina Staff Sgt. Chet Hone was greeted by his wife, Julie, and their three children, Tyler, 11, Lucas, 7, and Lauren, 8, as well as other members of the family. Hone said the family's plans included celebrating Christmas that very day.
Brenda Mohler from Saint Marys quickly found her daughter, Spc. Candice Wilges from Columbus, who had married just before she left.
"I'm not home yet," said Wilges before walking into the Armory.
Once inside the Armory, the soldiers were given some advice.
"Make sure you communicate with everyone around you ... Communicate your expectations. Make sure there are no surprises ... Use common sense and be safe," advised Chaplain Robert Lewis.
He gave the soldiers and their families phone numbers for them to call if they needed to talk or were experiencing any kind of difficulty.
The soldiers were then told to report back to the Armory Jan. 4 for a return to Camp Atterbury in Indiana before their official homecoming Jan. 8.
Todd Fleagle, who welcomed back his son, said, "We want people to attend the January 8 community homecoming. These are our heroes."
http://www.theeveningleader.com/articles/2005/12/31/news/news.01.txt
From Staff Reports
ST. MARYS — Although the official homecoming ceremony isn't until Jan. 8, approximately 300 people braved cold weather and the threat of rain to welcome the men and women of Alpha Company, 612 Battalion, Friday.
Jennifer Schmidt, from St. Marys, stood outside the armory with a group of friends that included Lauren Keith, who had welcomed her father, Sgt. 1st Class Preston Keith, home earlier. Schmidt was waiting for Sgt. Amanda Fortman from Fort Loramie.
"She's my best friend," she said. She explained that Fortman had graduated from Wright State University with a degree in nursing.
A crew of friends waved a large sign as they waited to greet Sgt. Geoff Lee, who graduated from Memorial High School in 2001.
The arrival of Sgt. Chad Spencer, from Spencerville, was anticipated by Amanda Spencer and daughters, Mikayla, 3, and Cadence, 1 1/2, along with parents Clyde and Cindy Spencer and brother-in-law Levi Burkholder, 9.
"I'm going to give him a big old hug and a big old kiss and not let him go for a couple hours. Then, I'm not going to let him out of my sight for a long time," Amanda said.
Sgt. Steve Human, from Mansfield, was able to obtain a four-day leave when his daughter, Malleah, was born Jan. 6, 2005, explained his wife, Teallina. Mother and baby daughter waited with Human's son, Philip, 4.
Terry and Sue Halko
"I'm very excited, very nervous," said Teallina as she waited for the buses to arrive. She added that the family had delayed Christmas for Steve's homecoming and planned to open their gifts upon returning home to Mansfield.
Terri Chialastri, the mother of Combat Engineer Eric Reed, 26, traveled from Cincinnati with Eric's sister, Danielle Johnson, 13, to welcome him home.
"I'm just so excited, I can't stand it," Chialastri said.
Spc. Dan Barhorst married his fiancee, Megan, in July while he was home on leave. Three days after they were married, he returned to Iraq, she said. She traveled from their home in Sidney to await his arrival.
Steve Wade of Celina and his daughter, Haley, 12, were waiting for "all of 'em," he said. He explained that he used to be the first sergeant of the company before retiring.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I spent a lot of time with these guys," he said.
Linn and Cindy Sawmiller, St. Marys, awaited the return of their sons, Dan and Jake Sawmiller.
"We're just glad to have them home," said Todd and Callie about the upcoming return of the 612th and their son, Spc. Doug Fleagle. They waited with Doug's aunt, Marscia Fleagle.
Lorn and Pam Smith, of Loveland, waited with new friend Kent Swisher for their sons, Spc. Trevor Smith and Second Lt. David K. Swisher.
"We live in the same neighborhood, but we didn't know each other until our sons went over to Iraq," Swisher said.
"We helped each other through," said Pam Smith.
"I am so impressed at the people here in St. Marys and the Family Readiness Group," she added.
Representatives from St. Marys VFW Post #9289, Celina VFW Post #5713, American Legion Post #330 and the district VFW Ladies' Auxiliary provided a color guard, lining the walkway into the Armory. Ballard Chaffing, a member of the Celina VFW, passed through the crowd, handing out American flags.
Screams of excitement erupted from the crowd and the St. Marys Pep Band assembled as the buses came into sight, escorted by police cars and fire trucks. The band played for the troops as they disembarked from the buses at around 10 a.m.
The soldiers, dressed in camouflage and bearing duffel bags, quickly searched out their families among the crowd. Kisses, hugs, tears and screams of joy greeted them from their families and friends.
Parents Donald and Susan Henline and sister Stephanie, all from St. Marys, brought along Spc. Josh Henline's "special project," as his mom called it — his tricked-out black pick-up.
Donald, Susan explained, recruited most of the soldiers in the 612th.
After greeting his family, Henline made a beeline for the truck.
"I haven't been home in nine months. I'm going to work when I get back," he said, adding that he didn't plan to return to work immediately.
Spc. Dave Oberlin from Oak Harbor, was welcomed home by his parents, Steve and Audrey Axe. The couple drove 2 1/2 hours from their home in Oak Harbor.
"I just want to get home and relax ... just be a family," he said. The 22-year-old plans to return to Bowling Green State University, where he had been studying for two years before being called up.
Wife Shelly; children Alexis, 1, Ryan, 5, and Derek, 12; and parents Jim and Marlene Meggitt, all from Bellevue, greeted Sgt. 1st Class Mike Meggitt.
When asked what they planned to do after the 2 1/2-hour drive back to Bellevue, Derek chimed in, "Dinner."
"Have a nice dinner," Mike concurred. "Then, I plan to sit down and spend time with my daughter (and the rest of my family)."
Explained his wife, "She was only two months when he left."
Spc. Johnny Colegrove, 20, from Lima, was greeted by his mother, Mary Mcanally.
"I'm not letting him go again," she said. "He has to stay home now."
Their short-term plans involved a big party the day after, followed by a return to college.
Michelle Mantor greeted her husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Mantor, from underneath a bevy of balloons. The Piqua couple, which has four children, planned to eat pizza for their next meal, Michelle said.
Among the folks in uniform greeting their loved ones was Air Force Staff Sgt. Carrie Parsons Dobney. She traveled with Jonathan, 13, and Robert, 8, from Wright Patterson Air Force Base to greet Lt. Glenn Dobney.
Glenn Dobney is from Michigan, and he was active duty when they met in Bosnia, his wife explained. Later, he earned a bachelor's degree in engineering.
Dobney went into the National Guard because "he had a family. He didn't want to lose his family. But he still has a sense of pride in his country," his wife said.
"I'm very much glad to be home. The first thing I'll do is play with my kids." said Lt. Dobney, adding that he "missed my family" the most during his tour in Iraq.
Some people in the crowd took the time to make sure each soldier had been greeted with a "Welcome home."
Celina Staff Sgt. Chet Hone was greeted by his wife, Julie, and their three children, Tyler, 11, Lucas, 7, and Lauren, 8, as well as other members of the family. Hone said the family's plans included celebrating Christmas that very day.
Brenda Mohler from Saint Marys quickly found her daughter, Spc. Candice Wilges from Columbus, who had married just before she left.
"I'm not home yet," said Wilges before walking into the Armory.
Once inside the Armory, the soldiers were given some advice.
"Make sure you communicate with everyone around you ... Communicate your expectations. Make sure there are no surprises ... Use common sense and be safe," advised Chaplain Robert Lewis.
He gave the soldiers and their families phone numbers for them to call if they needed to talk or were experiencing any kind of difficulty.
The soldiers were then told to report back to the Armory Jan. 4 for a return to Camp Atterbury in Indiana before their official homecoming Jan. 8.
Todd Fleagle, who welcomed back his son, said, "We want people to attend the January 8 community homecoming. These are our heroes."
http://www.theeveningleader.com/articles/2005/12/31/news/news.01.txt
Posted: Sat - December 31, 2005 at 08:21 PM