Hill's 419th wings home

HILL AIR FORCE BASE — Most of the reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing who have been in Iraq and Germany for the past year returned home Tuesday.

Some 45 members of the 67th Aerial Port Squadron served at three bases in Iraq from February through June then returned stateside to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., to participate in a readiness inspection to test their war skills. They received an excellent rating and then were sent to Rhein Main Air Base in Germany last September.

The 67th APS members specialize in loading cargo and equipment onto military aircraft and also process passengers for travel to stateside and overseas bases.

Maj. James R. Wilson, public affairs officer for the 419th, said the reservists went through the normal separation trials and tribulations, with one member's father dying before he could return and another missing the birth of a baby.

Wilson travels with the reservists as often as possible and said the 67th made an extremely favorable impression on the active duty units they partnered with during the past 12 months. "I'm proud of these folks, they are very patriotic and they go where their country needs them."

Ten of the reservists, however, have been extended for another year of overseas service, he said.

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