Fifteen members of the Security Forces Squadron, 183rd Fighter Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, returned to Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport three hours later than the scheduled 2 p.m. arrival Sunday because of rain delays in Chicago.The squadron left Springfield in early February and spent the past six months at Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan, according to the Illinois Air National Guard. The base is a key logistical hub for the war in Afghanistan.
Some of the squadron’s tasks included controlling security at entry points to Air Force areas, security of aircraft, base perimeter security operations and internal and external patrolling.
About 60 people waited more than three hours to welcome the squadron members home. Several family members were kept up-to-date about the delays via text messages to the guardsmen, who were in a plane on a Chicago airstrip waiting out the rain.
When the squadron arrived, they were met with a deluge of cheers and shouts. Many looked disoriented and slightly dazed as they walked around finding their family and friends.
“It’s just hitting me all at once,” said Chris Mazrim, 21, of Springfield. “I don’t know what to expect.”
Mazrim was met by family and friends and said he looks forward to taking some time off and being around his family.
For the families of many of the guardsmen, the past six months have proved taxing and required them to readjust their home lives. Still, many of them say technology has allowed them to keep in relatively close contact with the guardsmen.
Deanna Victor, 39, of Pleasant Plains, said she was able to communicate with her husband, Marc, 31, about every four days. The Internet allowed Marc to do things such as record himself reading books for his 4-year-old son, Marshall.
Before leaving for Kyrgyzstan, Marc routinely took Marshall to a barbershop in Ashland for haircuts. The pair would go in Marc’s pickup.
When Marc left, Deanna found herself being both mom and dad. “You have to step into the dad role with a son,” she said. “It was an experience. You don’t realize how much your spouse does until they’re gone.”
“I had never done yard work before.”
Deanna said her daughters, Rachel, 13, and Sarah, 11, helped out tremendously.
Marc’s departure also meant the family had to postpone a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida, which they plan to take in October.
As the children rushed to greet Marc at the arrival gate Sunday, he picked up Marshall and began walking toward the rest of the dozen family members waiting to see him.
“I’m just happy to be back with my family,” he said.
The 183rd still has approximately 40 people deployed to various countries throughout the world.
By mailto:rhys.saunders@sj-r.com
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
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