D-M Airmen safely return from Afghanistan deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christina D. Kinsey
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 220 members of the 355th Fighter Wing returned home this week from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan.

The deployed Airmen were mostly from the 354th Fighter Squadron "Bulldogs" and the 355th Maintenance Group. They operate and maintain the A-10 Thunderbolt II, an Air Force ground attack aircraft. The A-10, popularly known as the "Warthog," is used to provide precision strike and close air support for soldiers on the ground. Other A-10 missions include combat search and rescue and forward air control of other combat aircraft. The A-10 is employed against enemy ground forces throughout Afghanistan and Iraq.

The majority of the group returned home Oct. 23, when approximately 175 support and maintenance Airmen stepped off a passenger plane to the cheers of hundreds. The base used a hangar on the flight line as a reception area for the anxiously awaiting families, friends and fellow Airmen.

A few minutes before they arrived, 355th Fighter Wing Vice Commander Col. Bruce McClintock, took a few moments to all the waiting families for their support. "What they do downrange is not possible without the sacrifices you make on a daily basis - and in this case, on a six-month basis."

As word spread that the aircraft carrying all personnel was about to land, all the awaiting greeters rushed onto the flight line in anticipation.

"The girls and I are very excited that daddy is finally coming home," said Amy Tidmore, who was accompanied by daughters Madison and Kaitlyn. Soon after, they were reunited with "daddy" - also known as Senior Airman Michael Tidmore of the 355th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here.

Many people waved American flags, held flowers for their significant others, or proudly displayed welcome-home posters. Others, like three-year-old Ashley Konz, daughter of Staff Sgt. Terry Konz of the 355th AMXS, only wore expression of eager impatience. "Where's daddy?" she demanded of her mother, Amy, as they waited for him to appear through the open airplane door.

The rest of the deployed D-M Airmen returned Oct. 26, including 10 A-10 pilots and their aircraft.

Before landing, the jets flew one last pass in formation over the flight line. Mike, Ann and Christi Belle - parents and sister of 354th FS pilot Capt. Matt Belle - waved their American flags and cheered the Bulldogs on as they returned.

"We're happy that the entire squadron is safe at home and so appreciative of the work they've done protecting our country," said Mike Belle.

"I'm just so proud of my big brother and excited to see him again," said Christi Belle.

All told, the deployed 354th FS pilots completed 2519 sorties, 10051 total hours - 55.5 hours daily average - and had 153,710 30 mm expenditures.

"Our airmen, who have been engaged in direct combat against the Taliban across Afghanistan, return home as heroes," said Col Kent Laughbaum, 355th Fighter Wing Commander. "I'm proud of the mission the Airmen completed and am happy to report the safe return home of everyone."