Ft. Bragg paratroopers return to their families
FT. BRAGG, NC (WTVD) -- Monday was Sgt. Michael Brown's sweetest homecoming. He got to meet his 4-week-old son for the first time.
"A moment I will always treasure in my life," he said.
Brown and other paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division came home after nine months deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve - part of the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraq and Syria. The 400 soldiers spent most of their time training Iraqis for combat.
"It's just been one of the easier deployments, but it means just as much coming back," offered Sgt. Mark Bendel.
At the Green Ramp on Pope Army Airfield Monday, there were lots of tears of joy and hugs all round. Some families came from as far away as Utah and Arkansas, others as close as Fayetteville and Raleigh.
As the soldiers marched in Isreal Landron couldn't wait to see his wife.
"Nine months seemed like forever," he said.
