After almost a year in Afghanistan, four soldiers from the V.I. National Guard walked through the arrival gate at Henry Rohlsen Airport Friday and were greeted by cheers of happiness, cries of joy and lots of hugs.
“I am bubbling with joy,” said Arnentine Brooks , mother of Lt. Cmdr. Elroy Stout. “I am so happy to see them come back safe.”
Lt. Cmdr. Stout said it was wonderful to be home and his daughter Eazhah said she was happy he came home safe.
The men in the returning Embedded Tactical Team were Lt. Cmdr. Elroy Stout, Maj. Woodrow Greene, Maj. Donald Woodley and Sgt. Felipe Rivera.
Welcoming the soldiers were more than 100 family members, friends, guardsmen and well-wishers. They attended a ceremony and celebration in the airport cruise lounge decorated with red, white and blue balloons with stars.
“All of these soldiers answered the call,” said Assistant Adjutant General Elton Lewis. “They served their country and served it well. They lived up to the motto of loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity and selflessness.”
Sgt. Maj. Mona Barnes reminded the men that there is an adjustment time to reintegrate.
“Be patient, take time to relax and enjoy life with family and friends,” Barnes said.
The team left in September for pre-deployment training.
The team met changing requirements throughout their tour of duty in Afghanistan from November 2008 to August 2009. The team’s mission changed almost immediately upon arrival in the area of operation.
Due to a shortage of senior mentors, three leaders from the V.I. team were picked to head other teams in battalions, companies, and the main Operation Coordination Center in the heart of Kabul, the Afghan capital. These teams instituted several initiatives including training and qualifications for weapons and vehicles. They implemented new supply accountability systems including procedures for monthly inventories. The team also provided military decision-making training and used this to oversee patrolling operations used to enhance security in and around the capital region.
Rivera was in charge of an inventory of $18 million worth of equipment. Woodley scheduled and accessed missions that came out of headquarters. Greene coordinated with different branches of the military tracking battles and doing damage assessment.
“These troops contributed to eight different organizations and made an everlasting contribution toward peace and long term security in the country of Afghanistan,” said team leader Lt. Col. Gordon Moore in a prepared statement. “These Guardsmen served their country with pride and distinction.”
Greene said it feels wonderful that the people of the Virgin Islands appreciate what the Guardsmen do.
“Virgin Islanders appreciate that we go away and serve for a useful purpose.” Greene said.
