Task Force Iron Knights are welcomed home at Ft.Bliss
It was a special day for some military families at Fort Bliss.
The army post held a welcome home ceremony for soldiers coming back from Liberia after their mission to help contain the spread of the Ebola virus.
It was big hugs, kisses and smiles for wives and children as soldiers from the Task Force Iron Knights came home Saturday morning.
For many families it had been almost half a year since they last saw their loved ones depart to West Africa.
“It’s always wonderful to come home and complete a mission when you’ve been gone for a long time and get to see your family again and reunite,” said Black hawk pilot Gene Geotzke.
It was a mission the Iron Knights of the second battalion started in October.
200 soldiers left Fort Bliss headed to Africa. Their mission was to help support Operation United Assistance and contain the Ebola virus outbreak in Liberia.
“We knew we were doing the right thing so we had a good attitude about it,” said Lt. Col. Whitney Gardner.
The Iron Knights transported 97 tons of supplies for the construction of Ebola treatment units.
They also helped transport engineers, medical personal, and anyone else operating in the units.
Saturday evening 79 soldiers met up with their families after being released from a 21 day monitoring period at Fort Bliss.
Soldiers say it was frustrating being in town and not being able to be with their families but soldiers like Gardner made it work.
“Twice daily temperature checks, opportunities to work out and get some required training and things done and I watched a lot of Mad Men and Breaking Bad,” said Gardner.
As family members walked away with signs and soldiers walked away with their children it was hard to express the sentiments about the reunions. For others it’s a relief.
“There’s no words to describe it. I’m just really happy to be home,” said Geotzke.
For Geotzke’s wife Wendy it was an emotional day.
“I’m Ecstatic. Very happy, I’m relived he’s here, we are a family again,” said Wendy.
Another group of about 40 soldiers are being released Sunday.
This ceremony also celebrates the Iron Knights Battalion official end to its Operation United Assistance support in Liberia.
