thedrifter
01-29-06, 08:07 AM
Cherry Point unit returns from Iraq deployment
January 29,2006
BY STAFF REPORTS
FREEDOM ENC
CHERRY POINT — There were balloons, banners and a brass band, but the warmest welcome the 115 or so returning Marines received on Saturday came in the form of hugs from family members.
The VMAQ-1 “Banshees” Tactical Electronic Warfare squadron returned to Cherry Point following a 6 1/2-month stretch in Iraq.
Their absence from home has impacted not only their lives, but the lives of their spouses as well.
“You have to plan pregnancies,” said Christy Hancock. “Q1 deploys too much. They either miss the pregnancy or the delivery.”
Fortunately for Hancock, who is expecting in April, the squadron is not expected to deploy again for another year.
Col. Mark Wakeman said Saturday’s return was long anticipated.
“The biggest adjustment between here and Iraq will be getting up in the morning and not having to worry about being shot at,” he said.
The stint abroad represented the first deployment for some Marines, such as Capt. Patrick Amato.
He said conditions in Iraq were hot and he missed his wife.
“We had a good mission and exceeded expectations,” he said.
Cpl. Matt Langdon, who deployed for the third time, shared the longing for home.
“You get used to deploying, but it still takes a toll on your body,” he said. “It’s good to be home.”
Sixteen Marines in the squadron are still overseas and will be making their return in the weeks to come.
Ellie
January 29,2006
BY STAFF REPORTS
FREEDOM ENC
CHERRY POINT — There were balloons, banners and a brass band, but the warmest welcome the 115 or so returning Marines received on Saturday came in the form of hugs from family members.
The VMAQ-1 “Banshees” Tactical Electronic Warfare squadron returned to Cherry Point following a 6 1/2-month stretch in Iraq.
Their absence from home has impacted not only their lives, but the lives of their spouses as well.
“You have to plan pregnancies,” said Christy Hancock. “Q1 deploys too much. They either miss the pregnancy or the delivery.”
Fortunately for Hancock, who is expecting in April, the squadron is not expected to deploy again for another year.
Col. Mark Wakeman said Saturday’s return was long anticipated.
“The biggest adjustment between here and Iraq will be getting up in the morning and not having to worry about being shot at,” he said.
The stint abroad represented the first deployment for some Marines, such as Capt. Patrick Amato.
He said conditions in Iraq were hot and he missed his wife.
“We had a good mission and exceeded expectations,” he said.
Cpl. Matt Langdon, who deployed for the third time, shared the longing for home.
“You get used to deploying, but it still takes a toll on your body,” he said. “It’s good to be home.”
Sixteen Marines in the squadron are still overseas and will be making their return in the weeks to come.
Ellie