Magic moments: 439th Quartermaster Company returns home after 15 months in Iraq

439th Quartermaster Company Soldiers may have driven petroleum in Iraq, but what "fueled" them even more was the 800-plus family and friends greeting them late at night at a welcome home ceremony on Aug. 4, at the New Haven Athletic Center in New Haven, Conn.

After nearly 15 months and two extensions in Iraq, the 439th QM Co., marched proudly into the Athletic Center to the melodious tones of the 94th Army Band and the overwhelming roar of the audience. It was the moment everyone in the building was waiting for, as Soldiers and families could barely wait to get through the ceremony and into each other's arms. Smaller ceremonies also took place around the same time with 439th QM Co. Detachment One and cross-leveled 947th Quartermaster Company Soldiers in Brockton, Mass., and Portsmouth, N.H., respectively.

At the New Haven event, Virginia Plummer was alone and crying, finally seeing her 58-year husband Norman, a grandfather, back from the deployment. "I'm so happy," she said, before quickly going silent.

A few feet away from Plummer, Kailee O'Rourke jumped up and down, saying "Yea, yea!" many times as she held a sign as big as her, welcoming her father, SPC Craig O'Rourke, back home.

During the ceremony, 439th QM Co. Company Commander Timothy Consedine looked tired, but overcame the long day and deployment by spiritedly saying, "Thirteen million gallons of fuel (used) and 17 months away set us apart from the rest. I am proud of serving with these guys!"

BG Bruce Zukauskas, 94th Regional Readiness Command deputy commanding general, said, "They pumped fuel day and night and did it under extreme conditions, at 140, 150 degrees ... We are all proud of what you did."

"Never forget you are freedom's guardian's," added Zukauskas, looking directly at the entire 439th QM Co.

The 439th QM Co.'s mission in Iraq was to receive, store, and transfer bulk petroleum to divisional and non-divisional units. They initially deployed to Fort Drum, N.Y., in February 2003, with an ultimate destination to Iraq shortly afterwards. With the two extensions, the 439th QM Co. represents one of the longer Army Reserve deployments. In the past two years, the 439th QM Co. also transferred several Soldiers to assist other deployed units supporting the war against terrorism. They include the 325th Transportation Co., of Brockton, Mass., the 804th Medical Brigade, of Ayer, Mass., the 368th Engineer Battalion, of Londonderry, N.H., and the 325th Military Intelligence Battalion, of East Windsor, Conn.

At the welcome home ceremony, politicians were on hand to support the 439th QM Soldiers, including Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), Frank Rowe representing Senator Jospeh Lieberman (D-Conn.), Stanley Welch representing Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), and K. Robert Lewis, representing Congressman Rob Simmons (R-Conn.).

"I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you," said Dodd. "I know this has been a difficult time. Know that your commitment and duty to your country was performed with distinction. Your return speaks to tremendous sacrifices. Welcome home!"

After the ceremony, family and friends sprinted in Carl Lewis form to be with their loved ones. Russell Easton immediately proposed to SPC Tara Dwyer (she said "yes"). Kailee O'Rourke happily put down her welcome home sign to be embrace her dad. SGT David Bassett found a relatively quiet corner of the Athletic Complex to be with his wife and seven-month-old baby. He seemed at peace, contrary to the instability he experienced overseas.

"It's great to be home, I really can't explain it," said Bassett. "It was tough over there, but we expected it. Glad to be home!"

Eric J. Hurwitz

94th RRC Public Affairs Office

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