Fort Bliss Families Reunited In Time For The Holidays
It’s a great night for dozens of Fort Bliss families. Close to 300 soldiers came back from Iraq today after spending a year away from their loved ones.
Two flights touched down on Biggs Army Air Field Saturday carrying soldiers and command staff from the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. ABC-7 was there when one of the flights arrived Saturday morning.
Tyia Hill waited for her husband, Sargeant Michael Hill, while holding a homemade poster. “He’s my world, he’s everything,” she told ABC-7.
Once the 100 soldiers on Saturday morning’s flight arrived, they were greeted with loud cheers from loved ones. Sgt. Hill looked for his wife Tyia through a crowd of camouflage-wearing soldiers. “I had to find her!” he said. “And then I was like ‘ok, there she is’ and I was just very, very happy. She’s it to me. She’s what keeps me going, what keeps me driven to do what I do every day.”
Across the room, Ariana Sanchez teased her dad after reuniting with him. “He actually ran to us, like a little baby,” she said.
Her father, First Lieutenant Gil Sanchez, said it was tough to be away. “It’s really hard on (my family), too. (Ariana) gave me a hug, told me ‘Daddy, I missed you.’ It’s a great feeling knowing she’s been thinking of me, missing me.”
Both families agree- the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. “In about 2 weeks we’ll have Thanksgiving so that’s what I look forward to right now. Last year we were (in Iraq) and it was kind of lonely,” said Sanchez.
“Holidays are the most important time of the year for me,” said Hill. “It’s great to have (Michael) home, we finally get him home for Christmas and Thanksgiving and New Year’s and birthdays and it means a lot.”
Some, however, are still waiting for their own meaningful moment at Biggs Army Air Field. “It brings a tear to my eye every time I see (the reunions)” said Jennifer Fisher, whose husband is in Kuwait. “I’m hoping for my husband to come home soon and we’re actually counting down the days, we’re actually at 95.”
