GARDNER, Kan. — Wednesday’s rainy and cloudy weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of an enthusiastic crowd that welcomed some local troops back home to the metro. A rousing motorcade escorted two chartered buses amid a line of flags blowing in the wind, and hundreds of moms, dads and children lined the streets waving to the Army’s 129th transportation company.
The 70 men and women spent the last nine months deployed for active duty in northern Iraq and Kuwait. When they arrived from Texas to their home station at the U.S. Army Center in Gardner, Kansas, ecstatic loved ones rushed to welcome them home.
“It’s overwhelming with all this, but it’s good to be here,” said Army Private Andrew Burkhart.
Burkhart’s mom held a bright orange sign that read “Welcome Home Andrew and Rochelle.” Her daughter-in-law, who also celebrated her 26th birthday, is also in the Army.
“I just can’t explain it. I’m just glad they’re back,” says Linda Burkhart.
All of the 70 soldiers made it back home safely. We asked Burkhart what will be the first thing he does when gets to his house.
“Nothing, absolutely nothing,” he said.
This was the 129th Transportation Company’s second deployment.