Oklahoma ANG Airmen return home from deployment

by Senior Airman Justin M. Creech
137th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

2/4/2015 - OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thirteen Airmen from the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 137th Air Refueling Wing at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base reunited with family and friends Feb. 3 at Will Rogers World Airport here after a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Airmen were welcomed as they walked through a procession line of American flags and applause to meet their families at the YMCA Military Welcome Center at Will Rogers World Airport soon after landing.

"I'm relieved to be home," said Staff Sgt. Chevon Thames, 137th Security Forces Squadron. "We had a good team and a lot of cohesion, but all of us were ready to see our families. That was great having all the people lined up holding the flags, I've never experienced that before."

Organizing an event to greet the Airmen is special for Master Sgt. Porctia Tinsley, 137th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. Tinsley has participated in welcome home ceremonies both as a service member and a military spouse.

"I am excited for the families to welcome our member's home," said Tinsley. "These Airmen missed the holiday season and one of them missed his daughter's first birthday. So, it's good for them to be back."

Attached to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, the Airmen were responsible for flight line and Air Force resource and personnel security while deployed. The squad worked 24-hour shifts and endured several mission changes.

"We secured all of the U.S assets and Joint Task Force assets that provided aid and relief for combat missions," said Master Sgt. Ryan Andresen, 137th Security Forces Squadron flight chief. "There were no incidents to record, so I think we did phenomenal."