ALBANY, N.Y. - Thirteen Airman of the New York Air National Guard's 109th
Airlift Wing arrive back home at the Albany Airport Monday morning for a family
reunion.
After their six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to
Al-Udied, Qatar, 13 Airmen were greeted by more than 100 family and friends at
the Albany International Airport.
Loved ones arrived early, gathering at the observation deck with balloons,
flowers and American flags at the ready. The anticipation hung thick around those
waiting for a glimpse of their loved ones returning home.
"Six months is a long time when you have someone overseas in a danger
zone, and it means the world to us to be here," said John Wallace, whose
granddaughter Jamie Davis has been serving abroad.
First Sgt. Marlene Frankovic of the 109th Airlift Wing
helped organize the homecoming, the first since she's been in command, to recognize
their service as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Qatar.
"It's time you never get back once you're away from
home, you don't know the ins and outs of the disposal breaking and the garbage
overflowing," said Frankovic.
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