Ellsworth Airmen return home

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. (AFNS) --  Approximately 50 Ellsworth Air Force Base Airmen returned home Jan. 27 from a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia.

The returnees received a hero's welcome at a base hangar, where fire and police vehicles were positioned with flashing lights and sirens piercing the cold winter air.

As the Airmen departed the jet and entered the hangar, they reunited with squadron mates, friends and families.

Loni Olson, wife of Capt. Scott Olson, a 34th Bomb Squadron intelligence officer, said she and her children postponed the family Christmas celebration until he returned home.

Captain Olson had another "present" waiting for him as well. One of his children, 19-month-old Jacob, wasn't quite as mobile when Captain Olson left six months ago.

"His dad has never seen him walk," Mrs. Olson said as she chased after her flag-waving son while waiting for her husband to arrive.

When the captain found his family and hugged his wife for the first time in six months, he called the feeling awesome.

"It's great," he said when asked how he felt about being home. "It was surreal seeing Ellsworth from the airplane as we were a few miles out."

He said his initial plans were to simply rest, enjoy time with his family and generally take it easy.

Other Airmen echoed Captain Olson's sentiments and said they were overjoyed to be back on home soil.

"I'm glad to be home," said Airman 1st Class Todd Dorsa, a 37th Bomb Squadron aerospace propulsion apprentice. "Being over there makes you appreciate home a lot more before you deployed."

Airman Dorsa said the reality of finally coming home didn't set in at the deployed location until he saw the advance deployment team from Ellsworth AFB arrive in Southwest Asia.

Ellsworth AFB Airmen ensured B-1B Lancers provided the combined forces air component commander with critical long-range strike capability and close-air support when necessary.

"This is what the 28th Bomb Wing is about: combat," said Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, the 28th Bomb Wing commander. "We couldn't be more proud of the incredible work these Airmen have done overseas for the nation. While these Airmen return for a well-earned rest, more than 600 Ellsworth Airmen are still in the fight."