A big welcome home for 310th AS

Published April 19, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Vernon Fowler Jr.
6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 310th Airlift Squadron returned home April 2 to MacDill Air Force Base from a three-month deployment.

On Jan. 27 approximately 15 members of the 310th AS deployed. Each member volunteered for what would be the unit's first deployment tasking.

Despite the difficulty of being separated from loved ones, members of the 310th AS recognized the importance of the mission and responded accordingly. Their C-37 detachment provided airlift support to the International Security Assistance Force commander in Afghanistan.

Lt. Col. Kurt Kremser, 310th AS director of operations, was among those who deployed.
"This was my seventh deployment, but my first with my children," said Kremser. "It was tough."

Just before the members were set to return, their families gathered at Hangar 3 to prepare signs and balloons before going to the flightline to greet the aircraft.

Smiles were shared among the spouses, children and other loved ones as they awaited word that the aircraft had landed.

Gladys Fitzherbert, wife of reservist Joshua Fitzherbert, Gulfstream avionics technician, waited in the crowd for her husband to return.

"I'm very excited," said Fitzherbert. "I can't wait for his arrival."

At approximately 5 p.m. the plane landed and its passengers exited. The waiting crowd greeted them with clapping, cheering and happy faces.

Families found their loved ones, mingled and exchanged handshakes and hugs before dispersing and going their separate ways.

"It was a good team effort and I'm very proud of the 310th Airlift Squadron," said Kremser. "It's good to be back."

Kremser's words easily summed up the deployment and the feelings and efforts of all the members involved.