News> Westover aerial porters return from Afghanistan
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Members of Westover's 58th Aerial Port Squadron returned Sept. 12 from their six-month deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Andrew Biscoe)
Members of Westover's 58th Aerial Port Squadron returned Sept. 12 from their six-month deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Andrew Biscoe)
Members of Westover's 58th Aerial Port Squadron returned Sept. 12 from their six-month deployment to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Andrew Biscoe)
by Master Sgt Andrew Biscoe
439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
9/13/2012 - WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Sunshine and a gentle breeze accented a euphoric homecoming as loved ones welcomed aerial port reservists back into their lives here Sept. 12.
Staff Sgt. Daniel Masood was one of about 20 deployed 58th Aerial Port Squadron Airmen who stepped off a bus at Westover following the long flight home that ended at Bradley International Airport, Conn.
His first home assignment: Hoisting his wife, Kim, off the ground for a few powerful and emotional moments.
Elsewhere, camera shutters clicked, TV crews panned, and smiles and tears proliferated. The weary but happy reservists set foot on American soil after spending six months in the mountainous terrain at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan.
The aerial porters logged impressive statistics while serving at Bagram, one of the largest U.S. overseas bases in the world. The reservists processed 325,883 passengers, 141,332 tons of cargo, and 2,536 tons of mail, said 1st Lt. Alan Fairey of the 58th APS.
"While we're happy they're home, we know the nation is still at war," 1st Lt. Fairey said. The mission continues at Bagram. The 58th reservists will be replaced by their counterparts at Westover -- 42nd Aerial Port Squadron reservists -- who are headed to Bagram in September as part of a swap-out of Westover's deep pool of skilled reservists.
Another large group of 58th reservists are expected to return home early next week.
