Troops in the 174th Air Defense Artillery welcomed back home

MCCONNELSVILLE, Ohio- Members of the community lined the streets of McConnelsville to welcome home their troops Saturday.

Among those in attendance was General Steve Stivers, who said they were both thrilled and honored to welcome the many soldiers home.

“We’re here to welcome home the second of the 174th Air Defense Artillery back home to Mconnelsville. They deployed 365 days ago, a year ago today (March, 31.) During their deployment there were no successful missile-attacks on any troops in the areas they were guarding and so were really proud of them, glad to welcome them home to their families, their friends, their employers and so it was a very exciting day welcoming them home,” said General Steve Stivers. 

From being deployed for an entire year, to returning back home today, Specialist Jacob Roach said the feeling is still very surreal.

“I don’t think at this point it’s even real or that it’s even happening. We had the drive home from Columbus and it just kind of hits you mile after mile as you get a little bit closer,” said Specialist, Jacob Roach.

One of the returning troops, Justin Landerman said arriving home from his first deployment has been filled with many up’s and down’s.

“I learned a lot, grew as an individual, grew as an adult so I can take a lot of these experiences I learned on this to carry on through the rest of my career in the military,” Landerman. 

Following the ceremony family and friends were eager to embrace their loved ones and welcome them back home.