Troops return from the desert Published Jan. 26, 2006 By SSgt Kevin Tomko 927th Air Refueling Wing Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. -- Cold excited family members and friends anxiously huddled in brisk temperatures and fought a sharp breeze while waiting for the Air Force bus to bring their loved ones home from an overseas deployment Jan. 9. Some were carrying “Welcome Home” signs while others were waving small American flags. As the bus turned into the driveway, the crowd cheered and clapped endlessly for 32 Airmen of the 927th Civil Engineer Squadron returning from Southwest Asia where they had served for 150 days. The squadron performed a tremendous amount of badly needed preventive maintenance, cleared an extensive backlog of work orders, performed maintenance and renovations in the flight line area and assisted with the construction of various buildings. Exiting the bus, suntanned Airmen were welcomed with heartfelt hugs and kisses from well wishers. Col.Gary Beebe, 927th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Col. William Laraway, 927th Mission Support Group commander, were also in the crowd to greet the warriors and expressed their appreciation for a job well done. Wing members had prepared food for a well deserved reception, which was enjoyed by all. Staff Sgt. Daniel Przewlocki said the weather was rough and temperatures often reached 140 degrees. “We also had to deal with sandstorms,” he said. Although the group was half a world away, modern technology kept loved ones in touch. Suzzane Sallin, sister of Senior Airman Samir Sallin, said Samir e-mailed her every week and also called her whenever he had a chance. The most touching remark of the day heard by this writer was made by Analeigh Ostrowski, toddler daughter of Tech. Sgt. Todd J. Ostrowski, who said, “Daddy, are you going to stay at my house tonight?”