The Road to Safwan: The 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry in the 1991 ...

238 The Road to Safwan
camouflage uniforms. All had the Big Red One patch sewn on
the right shoulder signifying that they were now combat veterans.
The first fifty soldiers, primarily from D and E Troops, departed
on May 9. The next day the squadron cleared the billets
and HHT, B Troop, and the majority of A Troop headed for the
buses with C and the remainder of A leaving the next day.
At the runway the troops marched into a hangar for a final
customs check as they watched dogs and military police visit
their bags without incident. Then they marched into a Quonsethut
holding area where they awaited their final short bus ride
to the plane. The division commanding general, chief of staff,
and command sergeant major chose to fly home with the HHT,
A and B Troop flight. Wilson considered MG Rhame’s choice of
his plane as a mark of honor, and the squadron’s troopers
formed the honor guard for the casing of the division colors signifying
the transfer of the Big Red One from Southwest Asia
back to the United States.
The flight home for HHT, most of A Troop, and B Troop on
America West Airlines was quite enjoyable as soldiers watched
movies they had not seen and enjoyed the good food and hospitality
of the airline staff. The airline gave each soldier a travel
certificate for free airfare for two in the United States. The certificate
could be used anytime within the year and anywhere from
the east coast to Hawaii. Most everyone could not wait to get
home. Of course, there were exceptions. More than one soldier
had received a “Dear John” letter and more than a few divorces
would take place in the months to come. Fortunately, these were
in the minority as most looked forward to the challenge of readjustment.
The refueling stop at Kennedy Airport was a joy as the
soldiers essentially attacked the Dominos Pizza stand and visited
the local bars for their first taste of beer after almost five
months in one of the most restrictive cultures in the world.
Arriving in Topeka on May 10, around 2200 hours, this first
flight, as did others before and after, boarded buses for the trip
down Interstate Highway 70 to Fort Riley. The hills and ranges
of western Kansas looked positively green to those accustomed
to living in an environment where sand brown was the color of
almost everything. Everywhere along the highway and on
bridge overpasses were signs saying “Great Job” or “Welcome