Troops Return Home Through Smyrna Airport

Hundreds packed a hangar at Sewart Airfield/Smyrna Airport to welcome home the Smyrna-based Tennessee Army National Guard 1176th Transportation Company from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

"There's no better award than seeing you guys come home safe," said Maj. Gen. Terry M. "Max" Haston, who oversees the Military Department of Tennessee, which includes the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. "They were there at a historic time when we're beginning to wind down in Afghanistan. The job they were doing was moving forces, moving equipment to consolidated locations."

More than 100 National Guard soldiers are finally home with their families after spending 10 months abroad.

The guardsmen and woman, who served in Afghanistan, returned home and were met by their loved ones at the Smyrna Airport.

“Very excited, like I’m getting ready for my first date,” said Lynda Doezema in anticipation of her husband’s arrival.

“She made a sacrifice to go over to Afghanistan,” said Beverly Hewitt, whose friend was deployed. “I’m just really glad she’s back and alive.”

The welcome home ceremony included a tribute to remember the 73rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor.