US Army: 2007-03-26 159thCeremony release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2007
MEDEVAC SOLDIERS GET OFFICIAL WELCOME HOME FOLLOWING AFGHANISTAN TOUR
By Spc. Alfredo Jimenez Jr. 1st Armored Division Public Affairs Office WIESBADEN ARMY AIRFIELD, Germany -- Soldiers of V Corps' 159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) were officially welcomed back from deployment to Afghanistan during a ceremony at Minue Field here March 23.
“Thank you for allowing me the honor to be part of your ceremony,” said Col. Bryan Watson, 1st Armored Division's chief of staff. “I thank you for doing what you do and allowing us the opportunity to honor your accomplishments.”
SPC ALFREDO JIMENEZ JR.
159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) Commander Maj. Robert Howe and company 1st Sgt. Alexander Abiang uncase the 159th's colors during a welcome home ceremony on Minue Field in Wiesbaden, Germany March 23. The 159th returned from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan in February.
In February 2006 the 159th, part of the corps' 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, deployed to Afghanistan in support of the Army's 10th Mountain Division. From its main element
based in Bagram and a detachment in Kandahar, the unit conducted operations for U.S., NATO and coalition personnel. The unit returned from that tour February 5.
“Your colors are officially uncased,” Watson said during the ceremony. “That signifies you are ready to get back to business and focus on your next mission. Well done and welcome home.”
During their combat tour, the 159th performed 940 medical evacuation missions; evacuated 1,493 patients; executed 54 high-altitude rescue hoist missions and flew more than 3,400 hours.
“Statistics are just part of the story,” said Maj. Robert F. Howe, the 159th's commander. “We were united for a single cause and Soldiers on the ground always trusted we would be there in a matter of minutes.”
The ceremony allowed the command to recognize several spouses of 159th personnel who volunteered their time to support the unit during its deployment.
“These volunteers are shining examples, and should be emulated,” Watson said. “Their hard work is a gift we could never repay.”
March 26, 2007
MEDEVAC SOLDIERS GET OFFICIAL WELCOME HOME FOLLOWING AFGHANISTAN TOUR
By Spc. Alfredo Jimenez Jr. 1st Armored Division Public Affairs Office WIESBADEN ARMY AIRFIELD, Germany -- Soldiers of V Corps' 159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) were officially welcomed back from deployment to Afghanistan during a ceremony at Minue Field here March 23.
“Thank you for allowing me the honor to be part of your ceremony,” said Col. Bryan Watson, 1st Armored Division's chief of staff. “I thank you for doing what you do and allowing us the opportunity to honor your accomplishments.”
SPC ALFREDO JIMENEZ JR.
159th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) Commander Maj. Robert Howe and company 1st Sgt. Alexander Abiang uncase the 159th's colors during a welcome home ceremony on Minue Field in Wiesbaden, Germany March 23. The 159th returned from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan in February.
In February 2006 the 159th, part of the corps' 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, deployed to Afghanistan in support of the Army's 10th Mountain Division. From its main element
based in Bagram and a detachment in Kandahar, the unit conducted operations for U.S., NATO and coalition personnel. The unit returned from that tour February 5.
“Your colors are officially uncased,” Watson said during the ceremony. “That signifies you are ready to get back to business and focus on your next mission. Well done and welcome home.”
During their combat tour, the 159th performed 940 medical evacuation missions; evacuated 1,493 patients; executed 54 high-altitude rescue hoist missions and flew more than 3,400 hours.
“Statistics are just part of the story,” said Maj. Robert F. Howe, the 159th's commander. “We were united for a single cause and Soldiers on the ground always trusted we would be there in a matter of minutes.”
The ceremony allowed the command to recognize several spouses of 159th personnel who volunteered their time to support the unit during its deployment.
“These volunteers are shining examples, and should be emulated,” Watson said. “Their hard work is a gift we could never repay.”
