307th Returns to a Hero’s Welcome

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 917 Wing
Barksdale AFB --  Approximately 300 family, friends and members of the 307th RED HORSE and 360th Chemical Company of the Army Reserve Unit, Texarkana, Texas, attended a cookout at Mike Woods Park in Bossier City, La., Saturday, May 3, to welcome home members of both units who recently returned home from Iraq.

"The event was arranged in large part by Curley and Peggy Huddleston and VFW Post 5951. It's has been in the works since Christmas, when we really started talking it up," said Kenneth P. Koval, senior vice commander, VFW Post 5951.

"The 307th's primary function in Iraq was to complete millions of dollars worth of road work. But, when we got there, we were spread to the wind," said Senior Master Sgt. Tim Wooten, 307 RHS first sergeant.

"I wound up at Camp Striker where about 500 personnel from over 60 active, reserve and guard units were involved in road work projects and building Southwest Asia huts for billeting purposes. It was a great example of total force integration with everyone working together," said Sergeant Wooten.

"The major accomplishment was the R and R facility [Rest and Relaxation] we built," said Sergeant Wooten. "Basically, it is a place for the guys outside the wire to go and relax. It has basketball courts, billeting rooms and a humongous pool."

Secretary Lane A. Carson and Deputy Secretary Joey Strickland, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, were in attendance to thank the servicemen for their dedication and to spread the word about VA benefits and the Military Family Assistance Fund.

"We have a special relationship with veteran's organizations and government officials, which speaks to how well we do our jobs. We received support from Governor Jindal and all over the state level to get the MFAF passed for veterans," said Secretary Carson.

The purpose of the MFA fund is to help families defray cost of such necessities as food, housing and medical services that become difficult to afford when a wage-earner has temporarily left civilian employment to be placed on active military duty.

Col. Curtis L. Williams, commander, 610th Regional Support Group was also in attendance to support the 307 RHS and to recognize their service and sacrifice for the country.

Las Vegas models Kendra Henry and Tricia McNatt took time out of their hectic modeling schedule to take photos with the troops. They were both rewarded for their time with musical teddy bears sent by country-western star Lee Greenwood.

"The next welcome home project for Curley and the post is slated for August when we will welcome home a group of Marines. We are taking care of the Marines too," said Frederico M. Arenos, III, commander, VFW Post 5951.

Volunteers from numerous local organizations and businesses provided food, refreshments and music to make the homecoming for the 307RHS and the 360th Chemical Company a roaring success.

"Mr. Huddleston didn't take any shortcuts on this. It was an awesome event. For him to do this for us brought tears too many of the guys and their families eyes. Words just can't express what it meant," said Sergeant Wooten. "All I can say is that he is an honorary Horseman."