More Than 100 Troops Return Home

by Veronique Masterson

EL PASO — More than 100 troops from the 4th Cavalry Combat Team, First Infantry Division arrived at Fort Bliss Saturday.

Many of the soldiers arriving are mothers and fathers who had been away from their families for more than 14 months.

Upon their arrival, they were greeted by their children — who were anxiously awaiting for their parents to touch base.

Before the arrival of their parents, many kids kept busy honing their digital music skills playing popular video games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

For some soldiers, Saturday afternoon was the first time they ever met their babies.

For others it will be the first Christmas –for at least a year — they get to spend at home with those they love. “It was just a normal day. You couldn’t tell the difference between Christmas and any other day of the year. It was just duty as usual,” said SFC. Ronald Mitcham about the time spent away abroad.

“Last christmas was kind of sad. He left in October so we were used to it by December … but we always missed him,” said Mitcham’s wife Jackie.

Mitcham’s son, Tony, was veery grateful his dad was able to make it back home. “I’m just happy to have my dad back,” he said.

This latest arrival brings the total of soldiers returning to Fort Bliss from iraq to about 3,200. One more group of soldiers is expected to arrive on Christmas Eve.