It’s been a year since soldiers from the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Company B, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment have stepped foot on Hawaiian soil. As they checked in, handed over their weapons and unloaded their bags, their families waited eagerly for their arrival.
"I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. I’m so excited it’s here, I’m speechless," said Jaime Manuwa, wife of Sgt. James Manuwa.
"I haven’t seen him for a year and I really miss him," said 11-year-old Kala’i Manuwa.
This was his father’s first deployment and he’s ready to welcome him home.
"I’m proud of him and I love him," said Kala’i.
Many families were also shaking with excitement.
"It’s been a long time, we’re excited – nerves," said Leilani Haae-Dela Cruz, mother-in-law of Sgt. Jarden Torcuato.
The 150 Hawaii-based soldiers deployed to Afghanistan in October of 2010, where they performed Chinook helicopter missions for Army Rangers and Special Operations Forces. That’s why this day has been a long time coming.
On cue, the soldiers came marching in as screams and tears filled the crowd.
Then they were released into waiting arms of friends and family. It was a moment they have been dreaming of for months.
"A lot of stuff happens, it’s not always safe, but I’m glad we just got out OK," said Sgt. Torcuato.
But, for many of the soldiers, they are returning with heavy hearts.
"It still hits home when one of the 47′s goes down," said Sgt. Torcuato.
The 30 US service members who were shot down and killed over the weekend by insurgent fire were replacements for several of the soldiers in this returning unit.
"The guys that went down, they were with us and we trained side by side with them, we showed them the ropes," said Sgt. Manuwa. "One of the specialists, Bennett, he was a good friend."
Making this homecoming a bitter sweet one. Several of the soldiers were given arm bands with the names of those friends killed in action.
"Sometimes it’s troubling, why am I doing this, why am I doing this? Then you come home and see this, and you’re like ahhh…that’s why," said Sgt. Manuwa, while hugging his son and wife.
These soldiers will be given a few months rest before returning to their day jobs as police officers, firefighters and hotel workers.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
