Military

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) - The 86th Contingency Response Group returned to Ramstein with fanfare, flags and cheering crowds of loved ones April 27, after its deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The unique group, consisting of the 86th Air Mobility Squadron, 786th Security Forces Squadron and other units, were deployed since mid-March to setup an airfield in Bashur, Iraq.

"This was probably one of the most challenging missions the CRG faced to date," said Col. Steven Weart, 86th CRG commander. "I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments the group performed in just a few, short weeks."

In a little more than a month, the CRG downloaded 22.5 million pounds of cargo, 4,300 passengers and medically evacuated more than 15 patients. Additionally, 366 missions flew into the airfield. This was all accomplished with only one-quarter of the group's required equipment - much of their equipment stayed behind due to aircraft-weight restrictions.

As the returning service members debarked from two C-17 aircraft, they were greeted by loud cheers, music provided by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band and a reception breakfast provided by the 86th Services Squadron.

Among the assembly of spouses, children and well-wishers was Melissa Wilhelm who waited for her husband Tech. Sgt. Eric Wilhelm, 86th AMS, to arrive.

"We are used to him being deployed with the 86th CRG periodically, but this deployment was very stressful and tiring," she said. "Even though the group was supporting the war, I wasn't too worried that he was in danger, because he is well trained and knows what he's doing."

For the Wilhelms' eight-year-old twins - Kathryn and Megan, Daddy was coming home. "They were up late the night before making posters," she said. "We are all very excited."

With two school-age children and a home to take care of on her own, Wilhelm said it was tough, but she had help if she needed it.

"The spouses formed an awesome support system," she said. "If I ever needed anything, I only had to pick up the phone and call."

After the family reunited on the flightline, Tech. Sgt. Wilhelm said, "It's great to be home. I missed my family a lot."

The deployment went well, because of the camaraderie, he said."We worked well together and morale was very high," said the newly promoted technical sergeant. "It helped that we were able to communicate with our loved ones from the field."

Mary Joy and her son awaited the return of her husband, Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Joy, 786th SFS, at the Air Mobility Command Passenger Terminal, as well.

At the beginning of the deployment, Joy was worried about her husband, because she didn't know were he was and when he would be back.

"Later, we were able to communicate by e-mail," said Joy, who works at Vogelweh Elementary School. "That was a relief."

The couple and their two children - Jasmine, 9, and Darryl, 6, are in the middle of relocating to another duty station in the United States. With her husband away, Mary Joy dealt with a lot of stress relating to the move. Now, they can prepare to move as a family.

"This is great," she said of her husband's return. "I'm so happy he's home."

Although some members of the group came home, others deployed to another area downrange

"We are hoping for the speedy return of the remainder of the unit that is still in Iraq," Weart said. For the CRG members that returned, "The focus is reconstituting the unit's capabilities in the shortest amount of time to be back on alert," he said.

"I'm proud of the professionalism and dedication the 86th CRG displayed," said Brig. Gen. Erwin F. Lessel III, 86th Airlift Wing commander. "Within a short time, they used their training and expertise to create a staging base for combat forces deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Magnificent job well done! We are glad to have most of them home again, and our thoughts and prayers go with the those CRG members still deployed downrange."