HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The month of December was busy for the Christian County Military Affairs Committee, as they helped welcome home around 5,000 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers during back-to-back redeployment ceremonies.
The most recent homecoming was on Dec. 16, where families gathered as members of the Army band played holiday music to welcome the final main body flight of 2nd Brigade after a nine-month deployment. Throughout the month several brigades came through, including over 200 soldiers the day before, and three more large groups the week prior. This totals over 5,000 active-duty military service members who were welcomed home within 90 days, just in time for the holiday season.
“The soldiers are excited to be home, and we are excited to have them back in the community,” said Christian County MAC Director Shannon Lane. He added that the returns feel extra special in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
Volunteers with the Fort Campbell USO and Christian County MAC greeted every soldier on the tarmac and kept spirits high with snacks and support while families waiting for the return. This year, troops have been incoming from various locations across the globe including eastern Europe, areas like Kuwait and Jordan, as well as the U.S. Southern Border.
| DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Christian County Now app