Tears, cheers for homecoming Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Cheers and tears from family members were unmistakable during a "welcome home" celebration  for many Team Kadena members April 14 at Hangar 2 here as they arrived home after a six-month deployment.

The Airmen were greeted by not only more than 200 friends and family members, but also with bouncy castles, food and movies.

"I think it gives a big sense of camaraderie," said Master Sgt. Jason Anderson, 18th Maintenance Support Squadron first sergeant and welcome home organizer. "Everybody in the hanger was clapping and cheering for them."

The Shogun warriors were deployed in support of operations in Southwest Asia. The deployed members included Airmen from the 44th Fighter Squadron,18th Munitions Squadron, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 18th Maintenance Operation Squadron.

"Their performance in the combat zone and their performance while deployed was nothing short of spectacular," said Brig. Gen. Matthew Molloy, 18th Wing commander. "We're glad to have them home."