Soldier Returns From Iraq; Surprises Her Children At Homecoming
Different emotions overcame Britany as she waded through the assembled family and friends who were waiting for their soldiers at Fort Bliss’ Biggs Army Airfield on Thursday afternoon.
She saw the happiness on their faces, felt the anticipation in the air and she was happy for them. But she also longed for her own joyful reunion with her stepmom, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angela Holtby. Britany was told by her father, Gary Hansen, that mom wouldn’t be returning on this flight but it was all just a set up for a big surprise.
“My kids have no idea she’s coming right now so we’re going to surprise them,” he said. His wife was in on the plan. “I have an autistic son and I know it’s gonna take him by surprise.”
Hansen brought the couple’s children to the soldiers’ homecoming under the impression that they would be greeting Holtby’s best friend, another female soldier stationed in Iraq.
Makeshift posters, homemade T-shirts and loud cheers welcomed 300 soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division as the plane touched down. Nearly an hour of waiting for soldiers to be debriefed did not damper the ecstatic mood of loved ones.
When Holtby came out of the crowd and the surprise was revealed to the kids, her family ran to greet her with a supersized hug. Tears streamed down Britany’s face and a smile came across her face.
“Mom!” shouted Holtby’s 12-year-old son, Zack. Holtby’s stepchildren, 14-year-old Britany, 12-year-old Clayton, and 9-year-old Alex, joined in on the embrace. Holtby also has a teenage daughter, Natalie, who lives in Iowa.
“I’ve been trying not to cry this whole time because I saw everybody else’s families coming home and mine wasn’t,” said Britany. “I’m just so excited she’s back.”
Once at home, the family presented Holtby with a homemade poster. It was clear how much this military mom was missed.
“There were days I thought I couldn’t take one more day, I thought I was gonna crack,” said Hansen. “What I would think is I’m just one day closer to seeing her.”
That day, here at last.
“I’m still taking it all in, I still can’t believe that I’m here,” said Holtby. “I’m just so happy to be home.”
Across El Paso and Fort Bliss, families and friends welcomed home their soldiers. An indescribable joy, an unmeasurable love, and a day that will never be forgotten.
Another flight full of returning Fort Bliss soldiers is set to come in on Saturday. More than 300 soldiers will be on board and the happy homecomings will continue.
