O say, can you see... Our soldiers coming home?

As the Sun Country Airlines private charter aircraft came rolling off the taxiway at Asheville Regional Airport headed straight toward a group of more than 500 sign-toting, flag-waving patriots, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and precious little children, two of the Asheville Fire Department’s water cannons crossed the craft with focused streams.

Instantly, a rainbow formed over a plane full of soldiers – military police of the 105^th Battalion of the National Guard to be exact – who were returning home after a year in Iraq. Water vapor wasn’t only in the air, it was streaming from the eyes of even the most battle-tested greeters.

As part of its Congressional Charter, the American Red Cross is responsible for providing services to the Armed Forces and their families. It was proud to be represented at this special ceremony by volunteers who provided food and drink, sign-making stations for the children and general information about how the Red Cross can provide support when members of the Armed Forces are deployed.

When the soldiers disembarked, the sights of hugs and kisses and the sounds of “Daddy, Daddy” and "Mommy, Mommy" made this sunny Sunday a special one for all who were there. At the ceremony following the initial reunions, we learned that only one soldier deployed with the group didn’t make it back – a somber reminder of what these brave men and women sacrifice for us all.

The commanding officer concluded his remarks by saying he would be proud to serve with every one of 140-plus soldiers who returned…”any time, anywhere.” And the Red Cross will be honored to support the service members and their families “any time, anywhere” as well. That’s a part of what we do for those who protect our freedom.

The American Red Cross of Western North Carolina is honored to provide Services to the Armed Forces. These services are available around-the-clock, seven days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, click here.