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School Bands Surprise Returning Soldiers
Friday, November 20, 2009
FERNANDO ACOSTA JR. PHOTO 1st Lt. Eric Lantz of San Diego (right) announces the dismissal of Army National Guard A Company 79th Brigade Special Troop Battalion on Thursday evening after the troops returned home to El Centro after a year of service in Kosovo.
From Article: Troops return to El Centro after year in Kosovo
As two buses carrying Army National Guard soldiers pulled into the armory in El Centro, they were surprised by the crowds and high school bands awaiting them.
“The welcome we had here was unexpected and a very nice surprise,” said Staff Sgt. Frank Novak.
The Army National Guard A Company 79th Brigade Special Troop Battalion came home to the Imperial Valley after serving a one-year peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.
The Central Union High School Great Spartan Band and Pride of Imperial band from Imperial High School performed when the soldiers stepped off the bus at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Novak, of Imperial, said it was exciting to return home after one year.
“It’s refreshing to be home,” he said. “It’s great to be home. There aren’t a lot of other ways to express it.”
Battalion Command Sgt. Major Joe Derma said it was great to witness the homecoming. He was not stationed in Kosovo.
“It feels great to see them come home safe after a one-year deployment,” Derma said.
He said the family reunions are the most powerful.
“That’s the most exciting point, to see the soldiers return and see the look in the eyes of the loved ones,” he said.
Master Sgt. Ramon Veloz said he was happy to be back in the Valley with his family. He appreciated the warm welcome, as well, he said.
“It’s great to be back home,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting a reception like that.”
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FERNANDO ACOSTA JR. PHOTO Staff Sgt. Alfredo Bello holds his son at the end of a homecoming ceremony Thursday at the National Guard Recruiting Center in El Centro. |
Sgt. Antonio Betancourt said the one-year mission felt like a long time. “It feels like eternity being away from family,” he said. Betancourt, too, was surprised by the musical greeting from both bands. “I was just expecting to get off the bus, get our bags and go home,” he said standing beside his wife, Maria. “It was a surprise for everyone.” His wife said it was an emotional reunion with her husband. “Just tears came down my eyes,” Maria said as more tears welled in her eyes. “I was really happy and excited.” |
Article Reprinted Courtesy of Imperial Valley Press
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