Thanksgiving brings 139 soldiers home to Fort Campbell

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Families and friends of 139 soldiers from the 594th Transportation Company had a special Thanksgiving Thursday night.

The 594th TC, part of the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, was deployed for nine months to Kuwait. They saw a dramatic change in the scope of their duties as ISIS activity in the region became increasingly violent. Due to the dramatic turn of events, theirs has been referred to as "A Deployment to Remember."

In addition to transportation and logistical support, the group had more humanitarian duties, supplying 500,000 meals and 300,000 gallons of water to refugees in the area.

For the families awaiting their arrival, spirits were high Thursday night in spite of delays.

The Thanksgiving day reunion was extra special for Christina Clark. She gave birth to baby Ryan while her husband was deployed.

"This is our first child," said Clark laughing, as she waited for her husband, David. "We have waited six years, and of course he was deployed. It was hard for us to communicate while I was in the hospital – Internet was down during recovery – but we have Skyped almost every day since. David is so excited."

Col. Peter N. Benchoff gave the welcoming remarks.

"On this day of thanks, we are very thankful for your safe return," Benchoff said. "Welcome home, and job well done."

Tony Centonze

Freelance writer

news@theleafchronicle.com