2014-11-12-Fort Bragg, NC-Gabe & the 82nd Airborne...

2014-11-12-Fort Bragg, NC-Gabe & the 82nd Airborne return from Afghanistan

By ThomasCarroll235
Nov 18, 2014
49 Photos

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ThomasCarroll235

2014-11-12-Fort Bragg, NC-Gabe & the 82nd Airborne return from Afghanistan

Nov 18, 2014
49 Photos

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THe flags of every state are posted in front of Old Glory (Every state in the Union is represented in the storied 82nd Airborne Division.)

The wait will soon be over!

The Crests of the 82nd Airborne (L) and its sub-unit, the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (R). (When the 82nd was formed during WW I every state in the union was represented in the Division's ranks, which gave rise to it's nickname, "The All Americans" as well as it's distinctive AA (for All Americans) shoulder patch. The 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment's crest features a flaming sword and the motto: "Strike! Hold". The Regiment's nickname, the Devils, was bestowed by a German soldier in WW II in Italy. It was during the battle of Anzio that the 504th acquired the nickname "The Devils in Baggy Pants," taken from the following entry found in the diary of a German officer killed at Anzio: "American parachutists...devils in baggy pants...are less than 100 meters from my outpost line. I can't sleep at night; they pop up from nowhere and we never know when or how they will strike next. Seems like the black-hearted devils are everywhere...")

Old Glory and the Flag of the 82nd Airborne with Campaign Streamers

The flag of the famed 82nd Airborne is heavily laden with campaign streamers (Campaign streamers are decorations attached to military flags to recognize particular achievements or events of a military unit or service. Attached to the headpiece of the assigned flag, the streamer often is an inscribed ribbon with the name and date denoting participation in a particular battle, military campaign, or theater of war; the ribbon's colors are chosen accordingly and frequently match an associated campaign medal or ribbon bar. U.S. Army unit’s history is displayed in its colors—its lineage,campaigns and commendations. When Soldiers arrive at a new unit,they can study the unit’s colors to understand the honored tradition ofwhich they are now a part. These flags, colors and guidons have been used by military organizations for centuries to position, signal and rally the troops. For Soldiers, they are a proud symbol of their unit’s important role in Army history.)

Getting ready for the Troopers' return

SGT Marsh has a few fans

The waiting area at Green Ramp

Mother and daughter are ready to pucker

Waiting for Daddy

Mom waits for her boy

An 82nd Captain announces that the troopers have landed

The 82nd's band rips into a spirited version of the Stars and Stripes Forever

Patriotism and pride fill the air

Dad awaits his son's arrival

Troopers of the 82nd scan the tarmac and are ready to greet their returning comrades

The anticipation of families and friends is high

Here they come!

Back home (After writing another chapter of their unit's glorious history, troopers of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment return home)

The 504th PArachute Infantry Regiment in their distinctive maroon berets (The maroon beret has been adopted as official headdress by the Airborne forces as a symbol of their unique capabilities. Only Airborne forces are authorized to wear them. Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment wear tan berets and Special Forces soldiers wear green berets.)

The returning paratroopers face ecstatic family and friends (This shot was taken off of the 2nd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment's Facebook page.(Gabe's unit). Note Gabe left of center.)

The Troopers at parade rest as the crowd cheers

Pity the Taliban (not really)

Paratroopers salute the colors as the National Anthem is played

Paratroopers salute the colors as the National Anthem is played

Paratroopers salute the colors as the National Anthem is played

Paratroopers salute the colors as the National Anthem is played

In only a few moments, families will be able to hug their troopers

A warm, touching welcome from a brother

Colonel Brian E. Winski, Deputy Commander- 82nd Airborne welcomes the troops, families and friends

COL Brian Winski, Deputy Division Commander for operations (COL WInski's Army career is distinguished, having served with, among other units, the 101st Airborne, 3rd Infantry Division and 1st Calvary Division. In 2006 while serving as a ground commander in Iraq, he won the Bronze Star for valorous actions against insurgents.)

Georgia finds our Ranger. While the photo is blurred, I think you'll get the picture.

Mom and her Ranger

A proud papa, gratetful to have his son home safe and sound

Good to be back in the USA

Georgia beams (Note the distinctive flaming sword beret flash of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and their motto: Strike! Hold!)

Gabe shows his mother his specially tricked out M-4

After reunions with loved ones, troopers re-form to turn in their weapons and fetch their gear

The troopers and thier colors

Business to attend to: Return guns and get gear

Business to attend to: Return guns and get gear

After turning in their weapons, the troops will be free to join their families for a few days

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