Missouri Airmen return home from overseas deployment in time for holidays
By Jenna Wilson
Over 100 Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing have been serving overseas but they are ready to make up for lost time with their families.
Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing have been serving overseas as part of a scheduled deployment to U.S. Africa Command’s area of responsibility. The Airmen were providing airlift support throughout the region.
“we were supporting some counterterrorism activities and, as many know, the C-130 obviously can carry a lot of cargo,” said Mark Gaines, a rank major deployed overseas. “There are much bigger airplanes, newer airplanes out there, that can get into big places. But, in the heart of Africa, there’s, some smaller runways that require a C-130 or something smaller to get into it.”
The return home marks a special day and waiting outside of the airport for these airmen was dozens of families holding signs.
Some families full of children – – looking forward to spending quality time with dad.
“It’s been a really exciting day,” said Gannon Whetstine, son of one the troops. “I miss wrestling with him and how much he helps out when he’s at home.”
Time spent away can be difficult for men and women of the 139th Airlift Wing, as they miss out on many important family events but serving the community is something all of these men and women take pride in.
“It’s kind of sad that we missed some of the holidays,” said Gaines. “I missed my wife’s birthday last week which was actually on Thanksgiving but I’m glad I’m here now and we’re ready to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. We are always proud to support the ground forces.”
 Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard are scheduled to have two weeks off before deploying again.