East Granby welcomes home soldiers after year-long deployment
Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby welcomed home around 200 soldiers back to Connecticut earlier this afternoon. Soldier have been away on a mission for about a year to an undisclosed location.
“Well, it’s been really hard because I miss him a lot.” Said Kainsley, who is waiting for her father. “I really, really, miss him.”
As kids are patiently waiting for their super hero to arrive home, so are other family members who say the deployment, doesn’t get any easier.
“This isn’t our first rodeo. This is his third time being deployed. Doesn’t get any easier, by any means.”said Bonnie Palermo. “It’s tough for any parent to go through. You just can’t wait for the day they do come back.”
Bonnie and her family showed up with “Welcome Home” balloons. In the pile, it was mixed in with “Happy Birthday” ones too. Bonnie’s family wanted to celebrate her son returning home, and his birthday that was two days ago.
As the soldiers started to deboard the plane, the National Guard Base was filled with hugs, tears of joy, and smiles.
For the soldiers, it’s back to enjoying the little things.
“It’s awesome being back home and seeing the grass, seeing the trees. Seeing my family. Just filled with emotion.” said Trey Ayotte. “Everyone got home safe and that’s all that matters.”
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