National Guard Troops Return Home
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: December 20, 2012
Their arrival is just in time for Christmas. Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade of the New York Army National Guard left for Kuwait nearly a year ago.
When the bus rolled up just before three in the morning, families were waiting to see their husbands and sons. They landed in Syracuse hours before and took a bus ride to get home.
These soldiers were responsible for logistics, security missions, and administrative duties in kuwait. For many this was their first deployment.
Specialist Brandon Burgess says, "it means I get to see my little girl and spend time with my family".
Mary Hendry welcomed her son home. "You miss him, you worry, I am a mom and it's hard, it's really hard," she says,
"It's the best Christmas I have had so far and it's great to see all of the guys home safe and hope others come home safe soon", says Ali Brown. Her boyfriend was part of the group.
2nd Lt. Nicholas Charnley says, "it means a lot to me and all of the guys, the commanders worked hard to get as many guys out for the holidays as possible," he adds.
There are 400 New York National Guard Soldiers still at Camp Shelby. Another 270 remain overseas. Most are expected to return home to posts across New York into the new year.
