Dozens of family and friends gathered inside a cargo hangar at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, counting down the minutes until their loved ones returned from a 10-month deployment in the Middle East. The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of excitement and relief as the soldiers approached the terminal. More than 100 members of the 323rd Engineer Company, a U.S. Army Reserve unit, were set to cross the threshold into civilian life. The return came just in time for Christmas, adding a festive backdrop to the ceremony.
“[I’m] overjoyed. I’m just really, I’m just a ball of nerves right now,” said Megan Foster, a mother of a reservist. Foster’s words captured the nervous anticipation that many families felt after months of separation. She added that the return would bring closure and a chance to reconnect with her son.
“Our sons are coming home, and it’s been a long ten months for me,” said Angela Cothran, a family member. “So, glad to see him and I am going to give him biggest hug ever,” Cothran added. Her statement reflected the emotional relief shared by many relatives waiting for their loved ones.
Unit Commander David Cline welcomed the soldiers and highlighted the significance of the moment. “Today is an incredible welcome home ceremony for our unit. We’ve been deployed to the [U.S. Central Command] region in the Middle East for the past ten months, and we just got home today. So just in time for Christmas,” he said. His remarks underscored the timing of the return and the holiday spirit.
Cline also reflected on the challenges of the journey. “[It was] a lot of travel, a lot of flying, a lot of, sleeping on the ground to get here. It’s a journey,” he explained. The statement gave insight into the physical demands the soldiers faced during their deployment.
The 323rd Engineer Company is composed of soldiers from the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama. They had been stationed in Kuwait but conducted missions across the region, including route clearance and construction tasks. The unit’s heavy equipment and trucks were essential for clearing paths and building infrastructure. Their work spanned multiple countries, showcasing the breadth of their deployment.
Cline told Nexstar’s 7NEWS that this was the unit’s first deployment in over ten years. He added that the unit had operated in multiple countries in the Middle East and that, as a route clearance unit, they managed very heavy equipment and trucks. “We also do construction, and we were in multiple countries across the whole region,” he said. The unit’s diverse responsibilities highlighted their adaptability and skill set.
He continued, “It’s a real honor to do what we did, and then to come home to this type of reception with our friends, family, loved ones. Just in time for Christmas.” The sentiment reflected the soldiers’ pride and gratitude for the welcome they received.
Foster shared her plans for the holiday. “I will go out to dinner, have a good time, catch up,” she said. The comment illustrated the anticipation of family gatherings and normalcy after months of deployment.
Cothran also spoke about cherishing the Christmas experience. “Find out what all the little things that happened over there,” she said. “And cherish this Christmas because maybe next Christmas, they may be deployed again. So, I’m really going to enjoy this one,” she added. The remarks emphasized the importance of living in the present moment.
The Spartanburg-based reserve unit had operated alongside units from the Army Reserve, National Guard, and active-duty Army during their deployment. Their collaboration underscored the joint effort required for mission success in the region.
Key Takeaways
- More than 100 soldiers of the 323rd Engineer Company returned home after a 10-month deployment in the Middle East.
- The return coincided with Christmas, adding a festive atmosphere to the welcome ceremony.
- The unit, composed of soldiers from the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama, performed route clearance and construction missions across multiple countries.
The event marked a significant moment for the soldiers and their families, bringing relief, gratitude, and a renewed sense of community. As they celebrate their return, the unit’s service and sacrifice remain a testament to their dedication and the support of those who waited for them.
