434th Security Forces members return from deployment Published July 21, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., -- Thirty Airmen from Grissom's 434th Security Forces Squadron returned home from a 180-day deployment to Southwest Asia in the early morning hours July 21, 2015. The defenders were greeted by friends and family, and their smiles and cheers pierced air. The family of Senior Airman Manuel Parades, a 434th SFS fire team member, was among those holding signs anxiously waiting the deplaning of deployers. "My hero doesn't wear a cape," read a sign held by Franky Parades, the brother of Manuel. "It was great to see my family and girlfriend when I got off the aircraft," Airman Parades said. "They drove down from Chicago to see me, and it was good to see them after so long." "What a great way to start the day," said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. "Seeing the joyful reunions always warms your heart and brings to the forefront the sacrifices our members and their families make to serve our nation." "We had a lot of young people on this deployment," said Chief Master Sgt. Rickie King, 434th SFS manager. "It was really good for them to experience the mission on a day to day basis for 180 days." The members arrived in Baltimore, Maryland, where they cleared customs before their final leg home to Grissom, arriving at about 3:30 a.m. After turning in equipment, they were released until later in the day for final inprocessing before beginning their recovery and leave time. Members of the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission. The unit is the largest is KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
