Biloxi-Based Reservists Return Home

Dozens of reservists jump off buses to the loving arms of friends and family. It was a happy scene on the grounds of Keesler Air Force Base. Dozens of family members gathered in an auditorium for hours to wait for the homecoming, some coming from as far away as Alaska

“I feel real excited, really nervous we've been chattering the whole way from Florida just can't wait to see him,” says Christine Dooley, a mother of three from Alaska. Deployment in many cases can bring unexpected challenges to the families left behind

“Well I live in Anchorage Alaska and have a really long driveway so there's no one there to shovel,” says Christine with a smile and a laugh. Shantel Walder is bringing a surprise. Her two week old baby will see her daddy for the first time today. The Mobile mother says it’s hard to care for a newborn solo

“[You’re] up all night by yourself, crying, changing diapers but I have a little help, [my daughters] Madison and Maya. Family members brought signs and smiles to greet the soldiers who have been away from home for several months.

“Bless all the troops and families out there we all have your back cause that's why we're here we're one country and we're fighting for the same reason,” says Heidi Levesque, a wife from Arkansas. About 70 members of the 403rd returned home Sunday, 1/17/10. Several more touch down Monday and throughout the week.