Soldiers Return in Time for Thanksgiving

Summary

In a heartwarming homecoming event, dozens of Rhode Island troops from the 143rd Infantry returned from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. The soldiers arrived at Quonset Point, greeted by emotional family members holding signs and balloons, marking an early Thanksgiving celebration. Eyewitness news reporter Marilyn Schairer captured the joy as families reunited with their loved ones, with one mother expressing her excitement at seeing her son, who celebrated his 21st birthday while deployed. This significant event highlights the sacrifices made by service members and the joy of reuniting with family, especially during the holiday season.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dozens of Rhode Island troops have returned home from Afghanistan.
• 😀 The homecoming event took place at Quonset Point approximately an hour ago.
• 😀 Families were reunited after a year apart, just in time for the holidays.
• 😀 Eyewitness News reporter Marilyn Schairer covered the event live from Quonset Point.
• 😀 The C-130 plane carrying the soldiers arrived shortly before the broadcast.
• 😀 Family members expressed joy, with smiles and tears as soldiers disembarked the plane.
• 😀 This marks an early Thanksgiving for the families of the 143rd Infantry.
• 😀 Families gathered at the airbase with signs, balloons, and cameras to welcome the troops.
• 😀 The returning soldiers are the last of a 100-person unit to complete their year-long deployment.
• 😀 One mother expressed her excitement and relief at her son’s return, who turned 21 while deployed.

Q & A

What significant event is reported in the transcript?

The transcript reports the happy homecoming of dozens of Rhode Island troops who have just returned from Afghanistan.

Where did the soldiers arrive back from their deployment?

The soldiers arrived back at Quonset Point.

How long were the soldiers deployed in Afghanistan?

The soldiers were deployed for a year.

What emotions were exhibited by the family members during the reunion?

Family members showed smiles and tears of happiness as the soldiers walked off the plane.

What special occasion coincides with the soldiers' return?

The soldiers' return coincides with the early celebration of Thanksgiving for their families.

What is the size of the unit that returned from Afghanistan?

The soldiers are the last of a 100-person unit to return from their deployment.

What did a mother express about her son during the reunion?

A mother expressed her elation to see her son, who turned 21 in Afghanistan, saying they missed him terribly and were super excited for his return.

What time did the soldiers' plane arrive at Quonset Point?

The soldiers' plane arrived at Quonset Point at 4 PM.

What did families do to welcome the returning soldiers?

Families lined the tarmac holding signs, balloons, and cameras to welcome the soldiers.

What type of plane was used to transport the soldiers back?

A C-130 plane was used to transport the soldiers back home.