927th ARW welcomes security forces squadron home from Iraq

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anna-Marie Wyant
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Thirteen Airmen from the 927th Security Forces Squadron returned here Sunday after a five-month deployment to Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Airmen were greeted on the flight line by Col. David P. Pavey, 927th ARW commander, Col. Gerald E. Vowell, 927th Mission Support Group commander, Chief Master Sgt. Nina Watkins, 927th ARW Command Chief, and Lt. Col. Dorneen Shipp, 927th Maintenance Group commander. Colonel Pavey introduced himself to the returning troops for the first time and thanked them for their service both at home and abroad.

The 927th Family Support Squadron coordinated a welcome home gathering with the deployed members' families and friends. Approximately 25 family members, nearly half of whom flew here from out of state, came to greet their returning loved ones. Food was provided for greeters and returnees, and arts and crafts were provided for the children.

This was the first time the 927th Security Forces deployed together since the 927th ARW moved to MacDill from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., in April 2008. Security Forces five team leader Technical Sgt. April L. Terenzi said the deployment went well. She said the mission was to help transition American forces out and other forces in, including training forces from other countries.

"We accomplished what we went over there to do," Sergeant Terenzi said.

Eighteen security forces Airmen deployed to Kirkuk RAB altogether; the last five will return later this week.