Heroes' Homecoming; Hawkins TX celebrates the return of two of its service members

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sherri Bohannon & Airman 1st Class Joanna Kresge
  • Barksdale Public Affairs
Hawkins, Texas --  All traffic came to a screeching halt as the parade passed by. Fire trucks carrying two of Hawkins, Texas, hometown heroes, rolled through the main street of town.

A crowd awaited their arrival. Approximately one-third of the community of 1,400 gathered at the park in the center of town Thursday, April 17, to celebrate the service and the safe homecoming of two of its own, Tech. Sgt. Michael McComb and Staff Sgt. Cynthia Karch, both members of Barksdale's 307th RED HORSE.

Cheers rang out as the two arrived with their families among a sea of red, white and blue. Hugs were exchanged and tears were shed as the two heroes made their way to the stage.

Retired Col. Jeanette Sterner, a 30-year Army veteran, led the charge, as city officials, including Mayor Sam Bradley, spoke on behalf of Hawkins' citizens, to express their wholehearted appreciation of Sergeants McComb and Karch's service to their country.

"We wouldn't have the freedoms we have today if it weren't for our veterans," Colonel Sterner said. "The real heroes are the families [left behind]. They take care of the bills, the plumbing...while their loved one is in harm's way."

In her words to the crowd, Sergeant Karch expressed her thanks to her husband, Rodney, who she said "made the bigger sacrifice of the two of us."

"It was easy for me," she said. "It's he who deserves the 'oorah.' He's the Marine. He's the one who is supposed to be over there, but he stayed at home with the kids." Cindy and Rodney have two boys, Cameron, 3, and Kase, 2.

Rochelle McComb, Mike's wife, also felt the challenges of being a single parent during his absence

"I have two [children] in soccer and one in basketball. So the hardest thing for me was to try to be in two places at once," Rochelle said. "So I had to make a lot of concessions. I used my church family a lot, and I relied on friends."

The support of friends and family proved evident time and time again during their heroes' absence.

"They [the community people] were wonderful," Rochelle said. "Somebody actually left Christmas presents on our doorstep. "We found them on Christmas eve [after returning from church]."

Classmates of Mike's children each wrote letters to him, expressing their appreciation for his service.

"It put it [my service] all into focus for me," Mike said. "It helped me know I was doing a job, and someone appreciated what I was doing."

Celebrating Mike and Cindy's return only seemed fitting for Hawkins' residents. The idea was born when Mike and Rochelle's pastor, Dr. Bill Holmes, First Baptist Church, Hawkins, and Mayor Bradley established a date for the event.

Mike's mother, Sharon, took hold of the reigns and planned the event.

News of the planned festivities slowly leaked out to its recipients, Mike said.

"She [my wife] told me there were going to do something, and as time went on, she told me more and more. So by the time I returned, I pretty much knew what was going to happen."

"I have mixed feelings [about the celebration]," Mike said. "I was not the only one there. In fact, I am only one of about a half-million people who are still serving over there."

Although Cindy deeply appreciates everything the town has done, she said shyly, "I would rather not have all the fanfare."

"It's not for the recognition," Mike said in his words to the crowd that gathered Thursday afternoon, "but for hope, hope that the next generation won't have to do what we do."

The week of April 13-19 will forever be known in Hawkins, Texas, as Mike McComb and Cindy Karch week.