April 5, 2008 — St. Croix Central High School's gymnasium was packed with friends and family welcoming nearly a hundred soldiers of the 651st Maintenance Company home Saturday.
The National Guardsmen and Guardswomen were returning home after a year's deployment in Iraq. (See: "651st Maintenance Company Gets Proper Soldiers' Send-off.")
The 651st Maintenance Company is trained and equipped to manage and maintain "rolling stock" — trucks, cars and other rolling vehicles. Before deploying, they trained stateside at Fort Bragg, N.C., to provide security at Camp Taji, a large base just north of Baghdad.
Three VITRAN busses pulled into the parking lot about 2:45 p.m. and the soldiers disembarked. Husbands, wives, children and parents thronged their returning loved ones, showering them with hugs, cheers and tears. Clusters of yellow, blue and other colors speckled the crowed as some family members wore matching tee shirts with a picture of their returning soldier. Some held "Welcome Home" banners and balloons.
Once in the gymnasium, the soldiers sat while their commanding officers and Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis spoke words of praise and thanks.
"This is a maintenance company that performs security and performs equal to or surpassing units that do only security all the time," said Master Sgt. Henry Warner. "One year ago they left as soldiers. In theater they performed as warriors and now they come back heroes."
Nine soldiers stayed behind, voluntarily extending their tour of duty, Warner said. "Remember them and keep them in your prayers," he said.
Not long ago, the unit provided security for Vice President Dick Cheney. "That was a highlight this trip," he said.
Some of the soldiers were returning from their second and even third deployment. And many of the waiting family members were themselves Iraq veterans.
Sgt. 1st Class Sheryll Stapleton was there with Bernadette Benjamin to greet Stapleton's nephew, Spc. Chad Pringle.
"We're just happy he's home," Benjamin said.
"I know how my nephew feels," said Stapleton, who served a tour in Afghanistan herself. "I know they are glad to be back and I know they've been stressed. They have to keep their strong face on all the time. I'm just glad he made it home."
Sgt. Greg Peters, a veteran of two tours in Afghanistan was there to greet his sister; Spc. Earnilia Joseph.
"It's a good feeling to see her back save with all her fingers and toes. I'm glad she had the opportunity to go. She's a good veteran who served her country well."
Spc. Shajaida Rivera and her father, Sgt. Felipe Rivera, served together in the 651st and both returned safe and sound.
Both said working together was like working with any fellow soldier. But Felipe kept a close eye on his daughter nonetheless.
"Every time I went outside the wire, when I came back, the first thing I'd do is go straight to find her," he said. "She's a fine soldier. I'm proud of her."
"It's very different being back," said Shajaida, when asked how it felt to be home. "I hope it gets back to normal soon."
What is she going to do first, now that she's home?
"I’m going to get some saltfish and dumplings," she said. "Then I'm going to get my hair done at my sister-in-law's place in Sunny Isle."
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