Grissom reservists return from 'grueling' deployment Published Oct. 9, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- There's no place like home. That's something more than 60 Grissom reservists expressed as they returned to the Hoosier heartland after a successful deployment to Southwest Asia Sept. 22. "Despite combating extreme heat and a high operational tempo, our troops proved their professional skill, warrior spirit and true citizen airman ethos," said Lt. Col. Todd Moody, 434th Operations Group interim commander, about the deployment, which he referred to as grueling. "Their efforts give us all a reason to be proud, and at the same time, we're thankful to have them all return home safely." During their deployment, the 434th ARW Airmen were assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, where they performed aerial refueling operations in conjunction with U.S. and Coalition aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. "It felt great to be over there doing the job we are trained to do to keep American safe," said Staff Sgt. Travis Helton, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft electronic and environmental systems journeyman. "But, it's great to be home - there's no place like home." With their hard work behind them, touching moments abounded as the 434th Air Refueling wing Airmen reunited with their families and friends after months of being away. For one new father, it was an especially emotional event as he met his daughter, face-to-face, for the first time. "I had Summer in July while Dustin was deployed," said Melissa Neu, wife of Senior Airman Dustin Neu, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron KC-135 crew chief. Airman Neu was there with his wife in the delivery room via the Internet, but Melissa said it was still hard for him to be so far away during the birth of his first child. "I'm really excited to have him back because it was really hard without him," she continued. While his wife was vocal about her excitement, Airman Neu said he was at a loss for words as he hugged and kissed his child for the first time. "I don't even know how to explain it," he said. "I'm just happy, so very happy." Moody said he and the rest of Grissom's leadership realize and appreciate the sacrifices Airmen and their families make in service to the nation. "The service they provided to our military should not be taken lightly," continued Moody. "Their sacrifice of time away from family and civilian jobs is a wonderful example of what makes our country great." The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen from the 434th ARW routinely deploy in support of the Air Force Mission and U.S. strategic objectives. Stay connected with Grissom and the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
