Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
Fort Campbell, KY. – The nine-month deployment for 1st Brigade Combat Soldiers at Fort Campbell officially ended with the welcome ceremony for 259 “Bastogne” soldiers Wednesday, August 7.
Even though the inside of the hangar at Campbell Army Airfield uncomfortably hot and humid, it was still filled with family, friends and comrades of returning soldiers. Once again many people carried signs and banners with welcome home messages for each person’s special soldier.
As with each welcome home ceremony, family and friends stood outside the hangar as the plane landed and the soldiers walked down the ramp toward the hangar. Once they formed up they marched inside to cheers and music and after a brief ceremony they were given a few minutes to spend with their loved ones.
One 1st Brigade Soldier, Specialist Matt Tarter talked about being home at Fort Campbell. “Amazing, there’s no other feeling like being home and with my wife again,” Tarter said. Tarter’s wife Victoria echoed her husband’s comments about having him home. “It’s pretty awesome and incredible, I’m so happy right now,” Tarter said.