October 05.pmd - 440th Airlift Wing

Celebration welcomes
home last deployed
440th C-130
by Ann Skarban
On Tuesday, Sept. 13, 440 th Airlift Wing
members, as well as family members and
employers of Reservists welcomed the return of
the last 440 th C-130 and personnel from a twoyear
long deployment in support of Operations
Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
The day’s event celebrated the return of the
440 th ’s operations and maintenance package and
recognized all the 440 th reservists who have
served in the global war on terror since Sept. 11,
2002 as well as those now deployed.
The return event, themed “Answering the
Call” included a heroes welcome with more than
700 people in attendance. The welcome was
followed by a military formation with guest
speakers Maj. Gen. James D. Bankers,
commander of 22 nd Air Force and Brig. Gen.
Richard R. Severson, assistant vice commander
of Air Force Reserve Command.
After the formation, everyone was invited to
a picnic lunch hosted by the 440 th Airlift Wing
Community Council.
photos by Tech. Sgts. Pat Kuminecz and Bob Sommer
The Flying Badger October 2005 Page 13